Tuesday, October 19, 2021
My name is Marion Gaskins and I had the very good fortune of teaching third and then second grades opposite Devra Parks at Taylor Street School.It was my first full-time position and Devra helped me to settle in and to make sure of the more important things in helping our students become the best they could be.
For example…One day I was putting up my first bulletin board in the hall. I was measuring the spaces between letters and worst, pictures had to be placed “just so”, and the boarder was a perfect match. Several watched me for a few minutes and mumbled something about me being “a sweet young thing (I was in my twenties) As she walked away, I heard her say, very clearly, “ You,ll get over it.” She was right. It did not take me long to just “eyeball” such displays and use that time and energy to address the needs of the children.
Devra worked very hard, often creating her own worksheets to address a particular need or skill. She frequently used social studies and science themes to enrich her reading program. There is so much more that can be said along those lines!
We became good friends over the years, driving together to retirement luncheons, having lunch at Enzo’ s or tuna sandwiches at the kitchen table.No matter what we were doing, the conversation turned to family. She spoke of her children,and grandson with much love and affection! May fond and loving memories be a comfort to Devra,s children, grandson, other family and friends.
