It's National Teacher Appreciation Week and ValpoLife wants your help in saying thank you 
to any teacher who has impacted your life, whether it is your child's current teacher, a teacher you had while growing up, or a teacher you know in the community who you really respect. Send in your notes to share to contribute@portagelife.com, along with any pictures, and share the love
Crystal Holton Bastin
Mrs. Slack. She was a third grade teacher at Aylesworth then moved on to teach 5th grade science and is now at Fegley. She has moved with my child from grade to grade and I am greatful. She knows how to keep things in line and keep kids focused.
Kristi 'Twig' Stevens
I loved Mrs. Martinsen from Central (long time ago). My daughter, Taylor, has had the best teacher ever, Mr. Chappo, at Kyle. He teaches 4th grade, she is now in 5th, but she still talks to him, he helps her with her homework and just makes her excited about school! She looks forward to going to school so she can stop by and talk with him!
Cheryl L Mullin
Mrs. Krieger from Portage High. She taught child development and social living classes. That woman was an amazing teacher and a WONDERFUL person and her classes should have been required to take. I learned more about kids and real life in that class than any other taken. I know that she retired...and hope that they found someone even half of her worth to teach those classes.
Shelby Bledsoe
My agriculture teachers Mr.Sweeney and Mr.Stein. They helped me overcome speaking with mutliple people in a room and showed me what I believe is my true calling. I showed a hog for youth fair and with help and influence I got runner up grand champion. With their help they showed me I work with animals and just how good I am with it. I owe them so much. Maybe one day I can go back and thank them for everything they have taught me.
Stacy Couture Vogan
For me it was Mrs. Clark she taught at Fegley and then moved up to PHS- I think I had her for math every year from 6-12th. I didn't like her at all when I first had her- but she was an amazing teacher that showed me appreciation for math. Also Mrs. Slamkowski (sp) at PHS she believed in me and told me that she had high hopes for me. Twig I must ... See Moreagree about Mr. Chappo he is an amazing teacher both of my girls had him, and he truley shows love for each and every one of his students even years after they have been in his class. More teachers these days could learn a thing or two from that man.
Tina Wiggins Delaney
So many awesome teachers! Mr. Meyers (Crisman), Mrs. Hicks (PHS), Mr. Symer, Mr. Gravetti, Mr. Stevens....Oh the list goes on and on!
Stacy Couture Vogan
For me it was Mrs. Clark she taught at Fegley and then moved up to PHS- I think I had her for math every year from 6-12th. I didn't like her at all when I first had her- but she was an amazing teacher that showed me appreciation for math. Also Mrs. Slamkowski (sp) at PHS she believed in me and told me that she had high hopes for me. Twig I must ... See Moreagree about Mr. Chappo he is an amazing teacher both of my girls had him, and he truley shows love for each and every one of his students even years after they have been in his class. More teachers these days could learn a thing or two from that man.
Tina Wiggins Delaney
So many awesome teachers! Mr. Meyers (Crisman), Mrs. Hicks (PHS), Mr. Symer, Mr. Gravetti, Mr. Stevens....Oh the list goes on and on!
Michael P. Carroll
Mr. Condo at Grissom is the one I remember most, he was never boring.
Christopher Hodges
I would say Ms. Prow had the biggest impact on my life. She was the reason I wanted to get in trouble and get sent to the principals office
Christina Giotte
My daughters Fave is Mrs. Ozug(aylesworth) She has taught her so much this year.
Barb Simmons
Sally Kopko, Mary Martin and Dave Lescish, Kyle Elemementary School's 5th grade teacher "Team"! Ever child at that school can't wait to be in 5th grade to have these teachers! Their work as a "Team" is what makes them so special and they making learning "Fun"! After serving 11 yrs. on the P.T.O. and working with these teachers has been truely a memorable time in my life! It will be sad for many to see Ms. Sally Kopko "Retiring" at the end of this year! She will be missed by so many children and adults! Good Luck and Enjoy your retirement!