Farewell Faculty: Teachers leaving school

As the school year comes to a close, students and teachers prepare themselves for the summer. In addition to the graduating senior class waving their final goodbyes before departing, several teachers will be stepping away from the School as well.
From the Lower School, Homeroom Teacher Priscilla Hine and Interim Director of Student Wellness and Support & K-2 Learning Specialist Kristi Farnham-Thompson will be leaving. From the Middle School, Choral Teacher Sonya Harway and Spanish Teacher Teresa Guergué. Last, but certainly not least, from the Upper School, Spanish Teacher Mikee Guzmán.
Each one of these teachers has created lasting memories at the School. For instance, Thompson states that one of the highlights of each year for [her] has been when the Upper School students from the Neurodiversity Club come to the 5th graders to share their experience, wisdom, and encouragement. She stated, “I am in awe and deeply honored to be a part of that, and it reaffirms for me, each time, that our students who face challenges are stronger people for them.” For Mikee, he expressed his “deep appreciation for the students and adults in our community who have shared their personal stories and philosophies on life with me, and who have taken on the responsibility [he’s] entrusted them with to carry on this tradition beyond the gates of our campus.”
However, it’s time for these teachers to ‘leave the Head Royce nest’ and try their wings with other experiences, work, and opportunities. For some that is retirement, while others plan on taking a gap year. Thompson, in particular, “is excited to explore new ways to be involved in education.” She is passionate about “literacy as a social justice issue and will be working to help support evidence-based reading instruction in California schools.” Guergué plans on “moving back to Europe.” She “loves spending time in nature and will be hiking in different European mountain ranges.” As for Mikee, he plans on teaching at the College Preparatory School this coming Fall. In the meantime, he will be “spending 3 weeks in New York City in July studying Puerto Rican Migration and Community Building.”
Thompson phrases it best: “There is nothing more essential as an educator than helping students come to know themselves, embrace their unique set of strengths and challenges as learners, and develop self-awareness, self-advocacy, and resilience.” These teachers have done just that, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.