The White River Valley Herald

SoRo Elem. Teacher Brennan-Cook Retires



Holly Brennan-Cook, who is retiring from South Royalton Elementary School as a third grade teacher, recently completed the annual class hike up to Kent’s Ledge, which she described as “a lovely, perfect last hike with a very special class.” (Provided)

Holly Brennan-Cook, who is retiring from South Royalton Elementary School as a third grade teacher, recently completed the annual class hike up to Kent’s Ledge, which she described as “a lovely, perfect last hike with a very special class.” (Provided)

Third-grade teacher Holly Brennan-Cook is retiring after 27 years at South Royalton Elementary. She is known for her love of giraffes, hikes up Kent’s Ledge, engaging learners of all types, and classroom gardens.

About nine years ago, when I was in third grade, I remember Mrs. Brennan-Cook for her love for nature and the outdoors. Every fall, the class picks apples from the tree behind the school that sits next to where the class always had their garden. She takes her classes on hikes throughout the year, including up Kent’s Ledge and around McIntosh Pond.

Her third-grade class is known for its garden. Early in the spring, the class starts the little seedlings inside and students observe them as they sprout in the classroom, then transfer the starts to the garden outdoors before leaving for the summer break.

Though she may have been one to push for those extra 10 minutes outside, she also brought her passion for education and the values of education into her classroom. Her ability to bring characters to life while reading books aloud-like Beverly Cleary’s “The Mouse and The Motorcycle” wouldn’t have been the same without her rendition of Ralph’s voice, and instills a love for literature in her students.

Her creative approaches to teaching math and her ability to present challenging academic content in an accessible way makes for an overall rewarding experience.

This year’s third-grade class has many of the same stories and memories that I had when I was in third grade. Her students this year described her to be “thoughtful, hardworking, encouraging, creative,” and most importantly, “she’s always in a bright, happy mood.”

She said she has always thought of teaching as a “power strip,” when her students plug in, they charge her with their smiles. She is going to miss watching her students light up when they figure something out or connect different subjects together. The glow on their faces as they teach their classmates what they just learned, created joy for her when she could stand back to admire how they finally overcame something that was once so challenging to them.

She is looking forward to spending more time with her family and to start to figure out what adventure is next.

She concluded in a message to staff, “I thank each and every one for the lessons you have helped me learn. For helping me to become the teacher I am. For being a listener and coach. For being not just a colleague but friend. It has been quite a journey.”