Final Newsletter 25-26
Longfellow Elementary
As I write my final message to the Longfellow Elementary family, my heart is filled with gratitude, love, and countless memories. Longfellow has never simply been a school to me — it has truly been home.
Many years ago, I walked through the doors of the old Longfellow building as a young K-5 student with dreams of one day becoming a teacher and principal here. I remember walking to school with friends, attending Longfellow carnivals as a child, and looking up to the amazing educators who helped shape my life. Little did I know that my journey would come full circle in the most meaningful way.
To have spent the last 12 years serving as principal of the very school where I once sat as a child has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I was also fortunate to student teach here, making Longfellow a place woven into every chapter of my educational journey.
The memories we have created together will stay with me forever — hanging on the wall with duct tape alongside Damon, being dunked in the tank, painted, slimed, turned into a banana split, giant hotdog, ice cream sundae, bowl of spaghetti, and so many other raffle goal incentives that brought laughter and joy to our learners. Every silly moment was worth it because it was all about creating memories and celebrating our students.
I leave knowing Longfellow Elementary is in loving and caring hands. Our staff is made up of some of the most compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated people I have ever known. Together with our incredible families and supportive parent partnerships, we accomplished so much for children. I could not be more proud of what we built together, including the honor of being recognized as a Nationally Distinguished School. Longfellow has always been a special place, and I know it will continue to shine for years to come.
To our students — thank you for your smiles, your hugs, your laughter, and for allowing me to be part of your lives. You have filled my days with joy and purpose.
To our parents and families — thank you for your trust, kindness, support, and partnership throughout the years. Working together for children has always been at the heart of Longfellow.
And to my staff and administration colleagues — thank you for standing beside me through every challenge and every celebration. I will forever treasure the friendships and memories we created together.
Leaving is not easy because Longfellow will always hold a very special piece of my heart. I will miss you all deeply and hope to visit often.
Thank you for allowing me to live out my childhood dream.
With all my love and appreciation,
Mrs. Heckenlaible
GO LIONS!!!!
Digging into worms
Camp Den A
Celebrating Mr. Lee
Don't cry over spilt paint
FAMILY FITNESS CHALLENGE
Thank you so much for participating in the Family Fitness Challenge this year! I hope that you all had lots of fun with it, because I sure did! Once again, we had incredible participation this year! I’m so proud of all of our amazing Lions!!!
*My challenge for you this summer is to have as little screen time as possible and make those memories of being active with your family in the great outdoors! Time flies and we can never get a day back, so go and make the most of it with your family! Have lots of fun!
**If your family won an end of the year prize, feel free to post it for fun! I’d love to see you all enjoying the summer with the prizes that you won!!!
--Mrs. Eitemiller
We wish the following staff the best of luck as they move on to another chapter of life. Thank you for all you have done for the Lions of Longfellow! We will miss you!
Mrs. Heckenlaible - Principal
Mrs. McManus - Reading Intervention
Miss Garrels - Tutor
Mr. Bruna - Music Teacher
Mrs. Lambert - 4-5 Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Miller - Para-educator & Crossing Guard
