Atlas principal goes out with class

During her more than 30 years in education, Kathy Kuntz has worn many hats. She’s been a classroom teacher and administrator – jobs that require patience, dedication and humor.

Like all teachers, she’s played the role of student disciplinarian and cheerleader, switching back and forth between the roles with ease.

This week, she played the role of retiring principal, showered with praise from adoring students and staff. Her students gave her the perfect outfit to enjoy it in.

The retiring Atlas Elementary School principal sat center stage in the gymnasium as students gave her accessories that represented who she is to the Atlas community.

“A bib because she has protected so many kids from so many messes.

“Binoculars and a safari hat to show how she’s guided them to new places.

“A large spotlight to show how she lit up the way.

“A bright blue feather boa to symbolize her style.

“Pompoms because she’s a cheerleader.

“Big pointy glasses for her sense of humor.

“And oversize shoes to represent the big shoes she leaves to fill.

“Doesn’t she look great?” second-grade teacher Lisa Pica asked the gym full of students and staff as Kuntz stood up to model her new outfit.

They responded with loud cheers.

The Atlas Parent-Teacher Association organized the assembly for Kuntz, the school’s first and only principal since it opened in fall 2005. Kuntz was principal at the old Hayden Lake Elementary School before moving to Atlas, and she worked in the Wallace School District for more than 15 years before moving to the Coeur d’Alene area.

Each of about 500 Atlas students wrote a letter to Kuntz about what she meant to them as a principal and what they wished for her in retirement. The letters were bound into a book and given to Kuntz by the PTA.

Several students read their letters to Kuntz during the assembly. They included statements such as “I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you this year” and “I love the assemblies you put on. They are really fun, just like you.”

Another student wrote, “I liked when you sat next to me at lunch.” Yet another said, “I wish you weren’t retiring since you’re the nicest principal I’ve ever had. You’re actually the only principal I’ve ever had.”

Judging by the level of laughter, a crowd favorite was “I know we had a disagreement about something in second grade. I’m totally over it now.”

PTA President Jeannine Hust said deciding which letters to have read aloud was the toughest part of planning the assembly. They got the idea because one of Kuntz’s favorite things about her job was all the letters and notes she got from students.

Former students also stopped by to say hello and goodbye. Lewis Walde, now a vice president at Hecla Mining Co., told the audience he was skeptical when his mother signed him up for the new teacher’s fourth-grade class at Wallace Elementary School. That new teacher was Kuntz.

“I guess she (his mom) was pretty smart, because the fourth grade was a pretty memorable year for me,” he said. Walde’s wife is a kindergarten teacher at Atlas.

Coeur d’Alene High student Aaron Baldwin, who attended Hayden Lake Elementary when Kuntz was principal, sang “You Raise Me Up” and students performed other songs and dances.

Hayden Mayor Ron McIntire and City Administrator Jay Townsend presented Kuntz with a certificate of appreciation from the city.

Scott Freeby, principal at Homedale Elementary in southwestern Idaho near Boise, is set to replace Kuntz if the school board approves his hire at its meeting Monday.

Other changes

Also retiring this year is Ann Walker, principal at Ramsey Elementary School. She’ll be replaced by Anna Wilson, vice principal at Canfield Middle School. Coeur d’Alene High Assistant Principal Jim Gray will take over Wilson’s position at Canfield. And, if approved by the school board Monday, Coeur d’Alene High Spanish teacher Michael Nelson will assume Gray’s vice principal position at the high school.

At Lake City High School, student council adviser and math teacher Deanne Clifford will replace Ron Adams as vice principal in charge of attendance and discipline.