After being an English as a Second Language (ESL) para for six and a half years, Imelda Koenke says goodbye to the school. Koenke is moving on to student teaching in art in Plainville and plans to come back.

“I’ll be back in the Hays district for the Elementary level,” Koenke said. “I hope to be able to teach at Hays High in my future.”

Right now, Koenke helps the ESL students who need support. This not only includes language support, but also other things such as helping them with homework and family issues. She counsels and tutors them.

“I’m like a second mother to these children,” Koenke said.

After the amount of time she’s spent here and with the students she’s built a bond with, leaving is going to be hard.

“I love my job,” Koenke said. “I love the students. I enjoy the faculty. Probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do is to leave my job.”

Koenke says that she believes it’s also a good thing she’s leaving because she can now start her career, but this won’t be the last she’s in the school.

“I’ll be back,” Koenke said.

19ibraun@usd489.com