By TOM HILLThanks for printing Jonathan Neal’s very touching farewell letter in its entirety. And thanks to Jonathan for putting his thoughts to paper.
In the 2014-2015 school year, my Lunch Buddy, Isaiah Jones (the one in the picture with the goofy beard and stovepipe hat), was most fortunate to have Jonathan as his third grade teacher. It was clear to me from day one that Jonathan was an exceptional and inspiring teacher and that this was no ordinary third grade class. As I watched his students interact with him, their enthusiasm for learning was transparent.
He went to great lengths to make his classroom experience one they would not forget. He would even take his personal time to attend many of Isaiah’s baseball games … even though Isaiah wasn’t playing for the Red Sox!!
Barranca Mesa and the Los Alamos Public School system has been indeed fortunate to have one of Jonathan’s caliber in their classroom.
As my two children went through Pinon Grade School and LA High School, I saw this same Jonathan scenario repeated time and again. There are many such inspiring teachers as Jonathan here in Los Alamos
and our children are all the better for it.
Jonathan will be missed at Barranca. Whatever is his next venture, I’m confident he will execute it with the same enthusiasm and spirit he showed us at Barranca.
