January 14, 2010

News Release

Students Conquer Challenge on Teacher’s Last Day

What do you give someone as a retirement gift after 40 years in the classroom?  A watch to mark the time that has passed?  A book that describes the inspiration this person has been to the students?

Tom Rhodes, fourth grade teacher at Douglas Elementary, knew exactly what he wanted as a retirement gift from his students.  He wanted words – six million to be exact.  Rhodes challenged his students to read, and read, and read.

“They had individual goals and I give them all of the credit,” Rhodes said.  “These are the most awesome readers I have ever had!  And I had the good fortune to be their teacher.  There is nothing in life they cannot accomplish.  I couldn’t be happier.  They busted the goal!”

The students actually accomplished the challenge plus more.  The students read 6,079,472 words.  Today is Rhodes’ last day with Tyler ISD.  He has been with the school district for 35 of his 40 years in education as a teacher at Camp Tyler, Hogg Middle School and Douglas Elementary.  He spent the first five years of his teaching career in Houston and Denton. 

Rhodes is looking forward to his retirement, especially spending a lot of time with his young grandson and reading to him.

 
PHOTO: Fourth grade students with Mr. Rhodes in front of the Douglas Elementary School marquee celebrating the accomplishment of his retirement gift – reading more than six million words.

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