In Memory of Mrs. Nelson
In Memory of Joyce Nelson
These are just some of the memories written from a few of the East Buchanan students and staff.
Webster’s dictionary defines the word teach as: The basic, inclusive word for the imparting of knowledge or skills and usually connotes some individual attention to the learner.
A study on Effective Teachers done in 1976 stated the following: Effective Teachers have a sense of being in charge, with a can do attitude. Effective teachers spend whatever time and effort necessary to assure that all students learn. Effective teachers expect their students to achieve.
The Iowa State Board of Education has determined that quality teachers do the following: They create an environment of mutual respect, rapport, and fairness. They participate in, and contribute to, a school culture that focuses on improved student learning.
Joyce Nelson’s title was that of Library Associate; however, the definitions we have heard today indicate, and the East Buchanan Family knows that, Joyce would be classified as a Master Teacher.
Her memory is a constant reminder to those in education that not all of the people with a teaching license choose to teach, and not all teachers choose to have a teaching license. God Bless.
By: Mr. Dryer
On Thursday October 3, 2002, we were given the unfortunate news that our High School Librarian, Joyce Nelson, had passed away. To the students who attend East Buchanan High School, Mrs. Nelson was more than just a librarian, she was a person you could always talk to about your problems. Mrs. Nelson always managed to make us laugh, whether it was during Homecoming week when she dressed up in a purple wig and sunglasses, or just cracking jokes with the kids down in the library. Mrs. Nelson would always stand outside the library doors in the morning and greet the students as they entered the school. She would always write passes for the kids to get out of study hall, even if she knew that all they were going to do was sit down in the library and talk. No matter how much you would talk in the library, she could never bring herself to kick you out, even if she warned you a hundred times. No matter what kind of day she was having, she always had a smile on her face, and she brought smiles to the faces of everyone around her. Joyce was a very big piece of the puzzle here at East Buchanan, and even though we are saddened by her loss, we will always remember the good times we had with her.
By: Caitlyn V.
A Death Has Occurred
A Poem by Paul Irion
A death has occurred
and everything is changed
by this event.
We are painfully aware
that life can never be the same again,
that yesterday is over,
that relationships once rich have ended.
But there is another way
to look upon this truth.
If life went on the same
without the presence of
the one who has died,
we could only conclude
that the life we here remember
made no contribution,
filled no space,
meant nothing.
The fact that this person
left behind a place
that cannot be filled
is a high tribute
to this individual.
Life can be the same
after a trinket
has been lost,
but never after
the loss of a treasure.
Joyce Nelson was a treasure. She made everyday a better day. We will remember her smile, her laughter, her patience and her willingness to help in anyway she could.
Thoughtful ... Caring ... Gving
Three words which immediately come to mind when thinking of Joyce Nelson.
Every morning students and adults could count on, and look forward to, Joyce's greeting in the hallway as they entered the building. Joyce stood in the hallway every morning until 1st hour no matter how much she had to do because she said, "This may be the only friendly face some of these people see all day." And she was right. It was Joyce's selflessness and warm, pleasant smile that made the library a sanctuary for many. Students would flock to the library because of its homelike atmosphere and Joyce was always ready to welcome them with a smile, a little love, and a little motherly discipline if necessary. Adults would flock to the library because of her welcoming smile and friendly words. Joyce always made you feel as if you were her most special friend.
Smiling ... Hands on her hips ... Purple hair
Three images which immediately come to mind when thinking of Joyce Nelson.
Joyce was always an active participant in all school functions and celebrations. She especially liked the Homecoming week dress-up days and made sure everyone else got involved also. I don't think anyone will soon forget her dressing up this year as one of the Alias Sydney's in her black outfit, sunglasses, and purple wig. I also don't think anyone will forget when she would try to be tough with her hands on her hips and say, 'I laminate on Wednesday's!" Then with a smile on her face, take your things and say she would get to it in a little bit.
Joyce was always so accommodating. Whether it was letting a teacher who hadn't signed up into the library when it was full or covering for a teacher who would leave for lunch a Iittle early or obtaining supplies for lesson plans or allowing students to come during study hall when she was already swamped or planning the early dismissal lunch buffets all because she wanted everyone in the LMC. Joyce's concern for everyone else's well being was beyond compare.
"Oh Hon" ... "Quit your fussing over Me." ... "I'll get right on it."
Three expressions which immediately come to mind when thinking of Joyce Nelson.
When something needed done: a party to honor a staff member or student, flowers, a card, the Book Fair. Read Across America, or input on the new construction. Everyone went to Joyce because of her willingness. Joyce organized the nomination of Mark McCright for Iowa Technology Teacher of the Year and then when asked to participate in the ceremony she said, "Oh no. Quit fussing over me, this is Mark's day." I'm sure students can still hear her saying:
"You've got to keep it down. I'll give you the last five minutes to talk."
OR
"You know there is no gum chewing. Get rid of it." Both with a smile on her face.
I can still hear her trying to figure out Prom dates for all the kids and accepting to be the back up Homecoming date for some so they wouldn't feel left out.
Once during a snowstorm when school had been called off, Joyce noticed Patsy Marxen's car at the school. Patsy was trying to finish a cookie order for school the next day. Joyce headed over to help with an "Oh Hon, I have nothing else to do."
Laughter ... Beep of the scanner ... "Oh Nelly"
Three sounds which immediately come to mind when thinking of Joyce Nelson.
Joyce's laughter when she would talk about putting orange paint into her hair. She was referring to when she offered to help in the preschool and made way too much orange paint. Joyce always went extra mile when helping. Joyce was always willing to get books out to the kids even if the books weren't cataloged yet or if the student had a fine.
Even after her kids graduated, Joyce showed a vested interest in all the activities and athletics. She knew everyone and what was going on. Because of her love and concern, the kids loved her back. Their way of showing the love was by calling her "Nelly." Joyce accepted the nickname with pride and "Oh Nelly" would ring through the library and hallways along with her laughter.
Educator ... Mother ... Friend
Joyce came to East Buchanan officially as the new elementary aide in 1990 but her presence was felt long before. Joyce raised a wonderful family and cared for many other children while doing daycare. Her love came to the school district through those children long before she physically came to the school.
On a personal note, I will always remember her presence in my son's life. Peyton was always so excited to come to preschool--because before going to the classroom he got to play hat ball in the high school hallway with Joyce. Joyce also always remembered his birthday, holidays, and preschool graduation and would save special books for him to look at first.
By Mrs. Husmann
Mrs. Nelson: "EB Spirit Leader"
Created by Kelsey McElroy
East Buchanan Community School Tech Team
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