A Bittersweet Farewell To Ms. Parks

Ever since Mayfair first opened its doors to the public back in 1959, there have been many teachers that have filled their various classrooms with their personality, turning an otherwise boring hole in the wall into a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter. Because of how extraordinary this environment becomes, the retirement of one of Mayfair’s faculty members is always bittersweet, and that cannot ring more true than for Ms. Parks. Our esteemed IM3 Honors and Trigonometry teacher has served the Mayfair community for over 20 years and has now decided to begin a new chapter in her life. Here are some remarks from Mrs. Parks about her career at Mayfair:

“Let's see — I started teaching at Mayfair ten years after graduating from high school. It was weird to be back at first because a lot of my old teachers were here. I started teaching Math A and Algebra 1 - which are the lowest math classes with the most behavior problems. Then I gradually moved up and taught Geometry Honors for about 20 years. Then I moved up again to teach Algebra 2 Honors and Trigonometry and eventually IM3 and IM3 honors. I love teaching, especially the honors classes where you tend to get a higher level of work ethic. I would teach much longer if it wasn't for the problems that exist outside of the classroom. The respect for teachers and all authority in general has declined greatly.

I am ready to retire and live a life without major responsibilities, I want to travel throughout the United States and see as much as possible. I also want to ride my e-bike through all the national parks and spend quality time with my friends and family. One of the most memorable moments was when they retired my jersey here and teaching from home during Covid was memorable and challenging. I will miss my students and colleagues but I am ready for the new chapter in my life.”

While it hurts to see such a beloved and established teacher leave Mayfair, her presence and influence will forever live in our halls. Once a Monsoon, always a Monsoon! Thank you, Ms. Parks, from the Mayfair community!

Image courtesy of Chibuike Iwuanyanwu.