Several long-time faculty members of Haxtun Schools plan to retire at the end of the year. Michele Bivins and Laurie Wilcox both leave the District with a combined 53 years of service to the Haxtun School District.

Michele Bivins taught for 31 consecutive years as the Haxtun sixth through eighth grade math teacher. Throughout the years, she has also coached high school and middle school basketball and junior high volleyball as the head and assistant coach. She also served as the National Junior Honor Society Sponsor for over 20 years.

Bivins said that her favorite part of teaching has been watching her students grow and change during their middle school years.

“I love watching the ‘a-ha’ moments and inspiring my students to love math,” she said.

Following her retirement, Bivins plans to move to North Platte, Neb. She plans on traveling, fishing, camping and spending time with her family, especially her new grandson.

Laurie Wilcox has taught for 30 years. She spent her first years teaching fifth grade in Bassett, Ne. After three years there, she started teaching Kindergarten in Ogallala, Neb. Following five years there, she moved to Haxtun, where she has been teaching for the last 22 years.

Wilcox taught elementary music and Title I Reading and Math. She said that her favorite part of teaching has been teaching struggling readers.

“When they leave my classroom feeling confident and tell me they love to read, it is the most rewarding feeling! The personal connection with students and caring parents in a small community has made reading and singing with kids a joy!” she said.

After retirement, she and her husband will be traveling and visiting family.

A retirement reception for Bivins and Wilcox is planned for May 25 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.