Between having lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, construction to the school, and seeing a change with a new principal, the students at Jamesville-Dewitt High School have experienced their fair share of change. The school has introduced new policies, new teachers, and said good-bye to retiring teachers.
As the 2022-2023 school year comes to an end, school counselor Amy LeStrange has confirmed that she will not be returning for another school year. LeStrange is currently the counselor for students with surnames starting with Sc-Z. She has worked with students on creating a schedule that fits for them, maintaining grades, and has been a welcoming face for any newcomers to the school. She has repeatedly been there with an open mind and a willingness to listen, and everybody she has helped, student and staff, will miss her immensely.
Originally, she worked at IBM for several years. During one of the volunteer trips to visit to a school she had realized that she had found her passion in helping students. “I loved it so much that I decided to go back to graduate school and change my career to be able to work with students full time.”
LeStrange has worked as a school counselor for 27 years now, starting out and inevitably ending her career in the J-D district. She mentions that, despite retiring, she knows she’ll miss her students. “It has been incredibly rewarding getting to know so many wonderful students and families over the years,” LeStrange says. “High school students are the best… It’s an amazing time of growth for kids, and I love being part of their journey.”
As for her retirement plans, she mentions that she would love to visit her granddaughter. “I’m excited to spend more time with family who live all over the country… We already have some trips planned to visit with many of them,” she says. “I’m also looking forward to having more time to spend with local friends and family, taking art classes and yoga classes, hiking, kayaking, cooking, and reading.”
Despite all of the changes the students at J-DHS have experienced, LeStrange’s retirement is sure to leave its mark. LeStrange says, “Take advantage of opportunities at J-D… There are so many things available that will help you to grow and learn about yourself. Don’t worry about what other people think. You are enough. I’ll miss you!”
Happy retirement, Mrs. LeStrange!
