End of a season

Winters announce retirement

     For over 30 years, the Winter family has been an integral part of USD 372. The reign for Larry Winter, Silver Lake Jr./Sr. High School principal, and his wife, Bonnie Winter, fourth-grade teacher, is coming to an end with their announced retirements.
    L. Winter started working at SLHS in the fall of 1976. He said his first responsibilities included social studies teacher and women's basketball, volleyball and track coach. He decided to move up to principal for many reasons.
    "I decided to become an administrator for multiple reasons. One reason was, of course, money. Another thing was that I saw it as an opportunity to be involved with more programs than you had as a teacher or coach. You also got to work with all the students," explained Winter.
    During the years Winter has served as principal, the roles and jobs of administrator have changed.
    "The biggest change is probably state assessments. When I first started working here, there was no state testing. Now it's one of the consuming roles you have in schools. Also, financing is becoming a new concern. My job personally has changed from when I first started working here. I was only a 9-12 principal (initially)," Winter explained.
    He said his decision to retire came after extended thought.
    "I have been eligible to retire for quite a few years, and Bonnie has now for a couple years. We have thought about it before. It was a difficult decision, but the energy level it takes in my job is beginning to be a bit much, not that I don't enjoy it most days. Another thing is that it doesn't look like the economic future for schools is good right now," Winter said.
    Though he is ready for retirement, Winter will miss many aspects about SLHS.

    "I am going to miss the people, both students and staff. Educators are a great group of people. They share a common compassion for the kids. Also, I will miss watching the students grow emotionally and knowledge wise," stated Winter.
    While they both agree they will miss the great friendships made with other educators, B. Winter has a simple answer for what she is going to miss the most: the kids.
    "I am going to miss the kids so much. They make me laugh each and every day," she said.
    She started working in the elementary school in 1979.  She has taught second and fourth grade.
    "I wanted to be a teacher because I just love kids," stated Winter.
    She offered advice for new teachers.
    "Accept every kid just the way they are. They are all special in their own way," said Winter.
    L. Winter said he and his wife are looking forward to fostering their personal relationships.
    "I look forward to spending more time with family, especially our grandchildren. We both have aging parents we would like to spend more time with. We want to travel. Also the thing about retirement is that I don't have to go every day. If I want to do something, then I can say 'yes,'" explained L. Winter.

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