Cushing is celebrating the retirements of our beloved Mrs. Mokros, Mrs. Klatt, Ms. Norma & Mrs. Maly

Mrs. Mokros deserves many congratulations on a wonderful teaching career as a math interventionist and first grade teacher here at Cushing! For 14 years, she has been the heartbeat of our Cushing hallways, whether she was leading a classroom sing-along or turning a challenging math lesson into a moment of pure discovery. She was always ready to step in with a smile to boost morale and support our Cushing family. She made first grade a magical milestone for countless children. Beyond the lesson plans, her true legacy lies in the character she built in our students, constantly encouraging them to be kind, responsible, and upstanding citizens in our community. We are all better for having worked alongside such a dedicated and encouraging friend.

As Mrs. Klatt prepares to turn the page to her next chapter, Cushing Elementary says a heartfelt farewell. Our library media specialist whose legacy has been woven into the very fabric of our school for the past 16 years. Driven by a true passion for literacy, she worked tirelessly to ensure every student had access to the perfect book to spark their interest and meet their unique needs. She was a dedicated partner to her colleagues, always ready with a helping hand for lesson planning and a love for teaching the latest technology. Adored by everyone who walked the halls, she leaves behind a void that will be deeply felt by the generations of students she championed. While we will miss her bright smile and unwavering support, we are forever grateful for the world of knowledge and kindness she opened for us all.

Ms. Norma has been a guiding light of our elementary hallways for 27 incredible years, leaving an indelible mark on every classroom she entered. Whether she was de-escalating a tricky situation with her signature calm or finding a brilliant, creative solution to a learning hurdle, her dedication never wavered. Ms. Norma possessed the rare gift of making every child feel seen; she didn’t just support the students on her caseload—she advocated for every learner she encountered. We are endlessly grateful for the decades of inclusion, kindness, and steady support she provided to students and staff alike.

Mrs. Maly deserves much celebration after 42 years of dedicated speech pathologist service, 28 of them here at Cushing . In her career she has given a voice to generations of students. Her expertise has helped countless children develop the mature speech habits they needed to graduate from therapy and find their confidence. Beyond her clinical skills, she has been a pillar of our school community—supporting teachers in the classroom, serving on committees, and building vital partnerships with parents. Her unwavering belief that every student deserves to be heard has left a lasting mark on Cushing. We extend a huge thank you for four decades of heart, wisdom, and advocacy.

During a staff celebration on May 21st all four will be presented with a retirement gift. If you would like to make a monetary contribution to the teacher of your choice. Your family's gift is then combined with all other contributions for that particular staff member and the staff member will be presented with one BIG gift. The gift cards will be presented in a card that contains the names (NOT the amounts!) of all the families who contributed to the gift.

THIS IS A 2 STEP PROCESS - THIS AMOUNT SHOULD MATCH WHAT YOU ENTERED ON THE GOOGLE FORM!

STEP 1: Fill the Cushing Staff Retirement Giving Doc and please make sure to complete your family's first and last name (EXAMPLE: JANE SMITH) then select the teachers you'd like to give to and list the dollar amount (MUST be WHOLE dollar increments - no change please, $1, $3, $5, $10, $20, etc.).

Then total up your order.

STEP 2: Copy this GIVE BUTTER LINK https://givebutter.com/cushing-staff-retirement-2026 to pay your total. Click "Donate" and select/enter the amount that matches your google form. These orders will be compiled, and gift cards will be distributed to each individual.

Any amount is appreciated!

*Program Runs through May 1st*

If you have any questions, please email elizabethschoene@gmail.com

Cushing Staff Retirement Gift 2026