Six long time Niwot High School (NHS) staff members are retiring at the end of this school year. Dr. Jan Sible, principal, Ric Rogers, assistant principal, Marilyn Jackson, head secretary, Ernie Reichert, psychology teacher and coach, Paul Koehler and Thomas Tanner, p.e. teachers and coaches.

Dr. Jan Sible

Having been with the St. Vrain District since 1978, Sible will miss the wonderful, bright, talented students, the exceptional, dedicated staff members and the very supportive parents and community. "I will also miss working with the staff and community to create a positive, challenging educational experience for all Niwot students. Every year as I watch our graduates receive their diplomas, I am so proud of their accomplishments and I am happy that I have had a chance to be a part of making that opportunity possible for them," 

As a teacher, Sible taught junior high language arts and math. In 1978 she came to Longmont Junior High (now Sunset), as a media specialist. From there, she became a media specialist at Frederick Middle/High School for two years before coming to Niwot in 1984 where she was a media specialist for seven years. "I was a dean of students at Westview Middle School for two years when it first opened, then back to Niwot for five years," she recalled. "In 1998-2000, I served as principal of Westview and returned to NHS as principal this past fall. All in all, I spent 13 years at NHS in three different capacities."
 
Sible also said she is so grateful that she had an opportunity to be a part of the Niwot community, to work with so many wonderful people to create an exceptional educational program and diverse opportunities for our students.

When asked what she will do in retirement Sible said she didn’t have any firm plans as of yet. She does hope to spend more time with her family, especially her two grandchildren. "I would anticipate that I will remain involved in education in some way as it has not only been a career but a lifelong commitment and passion."

Dr. Sible’s replacement is Don Haddad who is the current principal at Skyview High School in Adams County District #1.

Marilyn Jackson
 
Jackson came to NHS in 1978 as a full time data processor in the main office. She held that position until three years ago when she became the principal’s secretary. "I have to say I enjoyed the data input and working in the front office for those 20 years a lot more than doing budgets and purchase orders," Jackson said. 
 
Through the years Marilyn has seen many changes at NHS. She was the first secretary to receive a computer. Niwot was a three-year high school with an enrollment of approximately 350 when she started. Jackson has been through four remodels and eight principals. She even watched her three sons graduate from NHS. 
 
"My fondest memories are when our three sons attended school here and were involved in sports and other school activities. I will miss the students and staff, especially the ones that have been here as long as I have. I want to thank Niwot High for letting me be here for the past 23 years and I especially want to thank all of the parent volunteers who helped me through some very difficult transition times. I would encourage parents to stay involved with their students and to continue to contribute in any way they can to keep NHS as good a school as it has always been."
 
At this time there is not any one particular thing that Jackson will do in retirement, but she looks forward to having the time to explore different possibilities. There is no replacement for her position yet, but she assumes it would be filled before the end of school.
 
Tom Tanner

A Denver native, Tanner graduated with a double degree form the University of Northern Colorado in English and physical education. He taught at Wheatridge and Northeast Junior High Schools. Tanner joined the NHS staff in 1980 teaching English and PE. He was NHS head cross-country coach for 18 years. Tanner also coached wrestling, football, track and softball during his career. 

"My favorite memory is working with the great staff at NHS and coaching the cross country teams," Tanner recalled. "I think what I will miss the most is coaching the fine young runners I had the opportunity to work with. I enjoyed time with the Niwot community. They are great people to work with. Whoever fills my position will enjoy working with this great community. I am looking forward to making furniture in my retirement," Tanner concluded.
 
Ernie Reichert

Reichert was born in Keenesburg, Colo. and graduated from Weld Central High in 1962. He received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado. "I have done post graduate work at UNC as well as the University of Wyoming, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado and American University in Washington D.C.," Reichert said.

Reichert started teaching in 1967 in Washington State. In 1969, he joined the St. Vrain Valley School District and taught at Erie High until 1972, when he transferred to the brand new NHS. 
 
"I am an original staff member of NHS," Reichert recalled. "I started teaching geography. Later I taught world history and United States history and presently I’m teaching psychology. In 1972, Coach Koehler convinced me to become the trainer/business manager for the football team. That job evolved into the first building athletic director in the district, a position I held from 1974 to 1980," Reichert said. "I also coached baseball from 1974-1976. In 1982 I joined the boys basketball staff as the sophomore coach. In 1988 I became the boys basketball J.V. coach and in 1994 I became the head coach for boys basketball."

Speaking of his greatest memories, Reichert said, "I remember winning our first football game ever, the baseball team making it to the final four in 1974, and winning the state championship in boys basketball in 1993, to name a few. I will miss the students and the day-to-day interaction that I had with them. It kept me young. Parents should be proud of the education their children are receiving at NHS. I have always felt that the staff and administration make it one of the best schools in the state of Colorado."

Finally, Reichert stated that, as of right now, he has no plans for retirement other than to take it easy and not worry about getting up at 5:30 each morning. 

Ric Rogers and Paul Koehler’s interviews will be included in the June Inside Niwot High column. 
FYI

The Niwot High School Education Foundation has received $515 in memory of Chris Holtry. Donations can be mailed to NHS Education Foundation, Inc. 8989 Niwot Road, Niwot, CO 80503.