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Poland says goodbye to its ‘Jolly Rancher’
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Visitors to Klase’s retirement had the chance to leave positive messages for the teacher. Leaving nice messages were, from left, Teresa, Cami, and Jesse Burns.
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Michael Klase (left) had the chance to talk with many of his past and present students.
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During his May 31 retirement party, Michael Klase (back) celebrated with some of his favorite students. The students were, from left, Daniel Skaloda, Noah Reed, Claire Morris, Tyler Skaloda, and Zane Massarelli.
By SARAH FOOR
For the last 42 years, the fifth-grade students in the Poland school system have associated Michael Klase with something sweet. Some would say the sweetness is his humor and passion for teaching, but most would tell you it’s the Jolly Ranchers candies he gives out to his students.
“You’d be amazed the good a Jolly Rancher can do,” Klase said with a laugh. “It’s a simple idea, but I’ve always given kids that have answered correctly or solved a formidable problem a Jolly Rancher.”
During his May 31 retirement party, the hard candy treats were scattered all over Holy Family Parish Center as generations of Klase’s students came to wish him well.
The event was a celebration of Klase’s long history in Poland, the place where he grew up, went to school and taught for the last 42 years. His college years were spent at YSU for his bachelor’s degree and at Westminster College for his master’s in education. He began teaching remedial reading at Union, Dobbins, and North Elementary for two years, but spent the next 40 teaching fifth grade at McKinley Elementary.
“I love teaching fifth grade because the kids know who they are already. They’re not too worried about peer pressure yet, they’re individual and creative, but I can still reach them and teach them something important. I can be serious with them, but I can show my humor with them, too,” Klase shared.
Klase’s students have always been his joy. When he suddenly lost his wife years ago, he thanks his students for helping him through.
“They were my solace. They helped me as much as I helped them, and they truly kept me going during that tough time.”
During his party, Klase admitted he’s not sure what he’s doing next.
“I won’t go on a trip or buy something,” Klase said with a smile. “I love this profession too much to give it up, so I’ll still be involved in the school somehow. I’m just not sure how yet.”
Klase knows he will never be able to give up what he calls “watching the light go off.”
“I love when I see them finally get it, that’s my joy. Anyone can teach smart kids – they’ll learn in spite of you. It’s the kids that I worked harder and had to take a different approach with that made me love my job.”