Peggy Buchholz
After 40 years of teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School in Bonduel, Peggy Buchholz has retired.
Many things have changed over the years, from mimeograph machines to copiers, typewriters to computers, chalkboards to smartboards and much more.
But one thing has not changed: the school’s mission to teach a Christ-centered faith.
“It is especially rewarding to have been able to share my faith and pray with my students,” Buchholz said. “The most important thing that I want each one to do is share their faith with others in what they say and do.”
Over the years, Buchholz had around 800 students pass through her classrooms.
“I have taught sons and daughters of former students,” she said. “It’s fun when they ask ‘What was my dad/mom like when they were in your class?’”
Buchholz started her teaching career in the fall of 1975 with 31 fifth-graders. She was also called to coach girls basketball, which she did for five years. After her first year, she moved to teach fourth grade. In 2006 she was asked to move to seventh grade. Since the upper grades are departmentalized, she taught fifth-grade math, sixth-grade math and eighth-grade algebra, along with a variety of seventh-grade subjects.
During her teaching career, Buchholz was adviser to a variety of clubs, including Pep Club, Future Teachers and forensics.
“I am happy to see that some of my former students are now teachers or are studying to become teachers,” Buchholtz said. “It is a very rewarding job. I love it when you see that ‘I get it now!’ look on a child’s face.”
Buchholz said she plans to spend the summer fishing with her husband, Jerry. Her three grandchildren live close by, so she will spend more time with them, too.
To stay in touch with the students at St. Paul, she will help serve hot lunch occasionally, and continue to work with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Young Investors Club once a week.
Lorraine Doell, the music director at St. Paul, has requested that Buchholz continue to write musicals for Grandparents Day and Christmas services for the students to perform.
Buchholz said she has always been surrounded by good people at St. Paul’s.
“I really appreciate the strong, supportive staff and families that have been part of my years teaching here at St. Paul,” Buchholz said. “I thank them for making my job a joyful experience.”