Buck paved the educational path for many children

Melody Buck shows students in her kindergarten class the activity for the morning. She will retire this year after serving the district for 40 years. To say Melody Buck has a quiet, gentle approach to her teaching method would be an understatement.

After 40 years teaching kindergarten in the Stanwood-Camano School District she knows what works.

Students shuffled into her classroom at Cedarhome Elementary last week eager to share items from their pockets with friends and tell a story or two, or three, or more.

Mrs. Buck showed her experience by having an activity already in place at each student’s work station.

“Sound out the letters and practice writing them,” she told the class.

In less than 30 seconds, the learning process began.

Over the years Buck has laid the foundation for children to start their educational careers.

“For me,” she said, “the goal has always been to have students enjoy school. If they get a good experience in kindergarten, the rest of their schooling becomes easier.”

This poster hangs in the lobby of Cedarhome Elementary. PHOTOS BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS When she started, the kindergarten classroom did not involve sounding out words or reading. Now, she said, the students are coming to class with preschool experience.

They learn quickly and retain more information, said Buck.

What has remained the same has been her admiration for the children.

“I really like young children,” she said. “When I started, I knew it was the right fit.”

Learning and encouraging the emerging personalities of the kids has been a joy for Buck. She especially takes pride in working for, and with, a community of dedicated teachers and parents.

“It’s like a family,” she said.T

hree current Cedarhome Elementary teachers sat as students in Mrs. Buck’s classroom.

Two years ago, a man dropped off his grandson on the first day of school, said Buck. It turns out, the man was also a previous student of hers.

“That was a real surprise,” she said.

After retiring at the end of the school year, the La Conner resident plans to spend more time with her grandchildren, all nine of them.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.