As the school year ends, Principal Missy Riesterer prepares to say good-bye to Sublimity School.
A graduate of Stayton High School, Riesterer is retiring in June after spending nearly all of her career with the North Santiam School District.
“I had a second-grade teacher that made such an impact that I knew I wanted to help kids learn,” Riesterer said of her entry into the field of education. “I started my career in Silverton and taught second and third grade and then moved to the North Santiam School District.”
Riesterer was a classroom teacher for over 20 years in grades K-5, including blended classrooms, district literary coach, Dean of Students for Sublimity School, principal at Stayton Elementary School, and for the past 11 years, principal at Sublimity School.
During her tenure with the district, she met the challenge of increasing student enrollment using limited space, especially in the gym and cafeteria. The COVID-19 pandemic also added to the challenges, she said.
Some of her accomplishments included “Educator of the Year” for several years in a row before being recognized as “Distinguished Educator of the Year.”
Riesterer wants students, parents and staff to know how much she has learned from each of them and how much she appreciates the relationships that they have had over the years.
“I want to thank all of them for allowing me to incorporate my own style of leadership,” she said. “I have been very proud of the work that my staff has done to create the best learning environment for our kids at Sublimity. The entire staff is so passionate and caring.
“My hope is that I have been an inspirational role model and motivated people to be their best self,” she said. “It is with great emotion that I am retiring, and Sublimity and the North Santiam School District will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Staff comments prove that Riesterer will also hold a special place in their hearts.
Teacher Brenna Smith thanks Riesterer for constantly pushing staff to be the absolute best versions of themselves.
“Thank you for trusting us and for always keeping us positive,” Smith said. “Mostly, thank you for the way you have loved each and every one of my students.”
Mandi Elmer said, “Although this is my first year as a teacher, I was fortunate to have Missy as my principal. I know first-hand the kind of positive impact she makes on her students’ lives. “I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support,” she added. “Your love for education is contagious.”
Teacher Rockelle Baddeley said, “Missy is ALL about the kids! If it has to do with kids and it’s for kids, she is behind it 100 percent! Missy works tirelessly and passionately and because of that, she has a dedicated staff that loves her and feels like family! We are going to miss her very much!”
Teacher Melodee Nolan, called Riesterer “so much more than just a ‘boss,’ a leader who genuinely cares for each person in her charge, whether student of staff member.
“She has always made me feel valued and appreciated, both as a person and as a part of the Sublimity School family,” Nolan said. “It is difficult for me to imagine how it will feel without her around.”
Nolan appreciates how Riesterer shared her 30-plus years of education experience in a helpful and accessible way.
“She has helped me to be a better teacher and champion for my students,” she said. “Whether it’s hearing her shoes clicking down the hall at the most rapid of paces, watching her envelop a kindergartener in a bear hug, or trying to keep up as she races through a staff meeting agenda, she will be missed in so many ways, big and small.”
Parent Stacy Hollenbeck has been known Riesterer in her role as educator for over 30 years.
“As a former student of hers, I experienced firsthand the joy and excitement she brought to her students,” Hollenbeck said. “I had always hoped that my kids would get that same opportunity with her. Fortunately, each one of them has, whether as a teacher or in her time as a principal.
“It is evident that Missy’s passion for education has not diminished,” she added. “She is the spark that ignites enthusiasm and drive into her students day in and day out. Her positive outlook on teaching, learning and life in general is infectious. Missy has been an outstanding asset to this school and this community and will be greatly missed.”
Teacher Amber Gardner is “thankful beyond words” to have worked with Riesterer for the last 13 years.
“Our friendship and working circumstances are one that would be very difficult to replicate but we’ve made it work wonderfully,” Gardner said. “I will never forget the crazy ideas for back-to-school staff events that she would get every one of our staff to take part in, from a cheer with stunts and town scavenger hunts to lip syncs and a crazy school rules and expectation videos.”
Gardner said she would miss Riesterer but knows she will get to spend her retirement days doing what she loves more than anything, “being with family the people she loves most.”
“I want to end my career still loving my work and doing my very best,” said Riesterer, who plans to spend more time with her family. “Most recently, I became a grandma for the very first time and I am loving it! We just found out we have another one on the way!”
