My name is Lisa Dittrick and I would like to offer my most sincere condolences for your loss.
I was a student in Mrs Dartnell’s class at Parkview in 1972-73 and was known as a shy, quiet and incredibly ‘slow poke’ of a child. Mrs. Dartnell was always so kind and patient with me, just gently encouraging me to move a ‘little bit’ faster.
I recall one day, as the lunch bell rang, going to the back of the class to put on our coats and boots. I then recall hearing the classroom door close and lock. When I peeked out from behind the big board in which I had been standing (I was shy of putting on my boots in front of other children), there were no students and no Mrs. Dartnell!! This pokey little child was locked alone in the classroom and she hadn’t even put her boots on yet! Mrs. Dartnell found an upset little girl upon her return but she just had a way of making everything alright. That little girl learned to put her boots on quite a bit quicker and I often recalled Mrs. Dartnell checking the back of the class from then on, just ‘in case’.
As I know Mrs. Dartnell never forgot that day (she often brought it up to my mother over the years when they ran into each other), I wish I could of had the chance to tell her, that shy, scared little child she knew has now completed her 22nd year working as a Correctional Officer in a men’s maximum security prison. I believe she may have been amused and surprised. I also believe, it was to teachers like her, that took the time to make a difference.
Many teachers I no longer recall, but Mrs. Dartnell, I have never forgotten. She was, is, and will always be that one special teacher to me, the one you never forget. I wanted your family to know this.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time,
Sincerely,
Lisa
