Some jobs really rock

   I love my new job at The Rock. Now before you conjure up images of some Nicholas Cage movie, please note I’m talking about Rockbridge Elementary. 
Principal, Dion Jones said, “When I came here, I started calling it the Rock because everything felt solid as a rock.” And maybe for good reason.

   The Rock is located off Rockbridge Road, which was an Indian trail in the early 1800’s. The name comes from a rock shoal that travelers stepped on to cross the Yellow River. This “rock bridge” was the first bearing used to survey Gwinnett County. So in a way the whole county was “built on a rock.”

   Then there's the building itself which looks in plan like two circles hooked together. Norcross architect Bob Foreman confirmed that round is the strongest form of structure. When engineers need the strongest shape for a tower or plane's fuselage, they go with round. But considering that tree trunks and the earth itself are round, doesn't it just seem natural?

   GCPS spokesperson Sloan Roach said Rockbridge is the only round school in the county, so I guess we could say it’s THE Rock. 

   And the faculty is rock solid, too, with many boasting over 20 years of service here. 

   “That really says a lot about Rockbridge,” said speech therapist, Sue Keppel, in her 28th year.

   Newer teachers also feel the solid state of the Rock.

   Jerry Greene, recently retired after 35 years of teaching, works part time in Kindergarten.

   “Just walking down the hall I can tell the children here demonstrate a genuine respect for teaching. Many don’t speak English, but their demeanor says, Education is important to me.”

   Music teacher, John Ryan, a former music minister said, “There’s such eagerness and openness on the kids’ part to become engaged in what I do. I’ve worked with lots of kids in my life and I know I don’t ever want to teach anywhere but here.”

   As for me, I job-share a stellar sub position with Linda Jordan. That means I sub if someone needs me or help out where extra hands are needed. Full time stellar sub, Queen Gullens has graciously helped me get settled in. She’s even moved files and furniture to make room for all my junk, including my own fold-up wastebasket, making me feel at least like a princess.

   And as for my own solidarity with the Rock, this was the first Gwinnett school I ever visited. In 1979 I used to eat lunch here with my stepdaughter, Chrisa, and during recess hung around and chitchatted with her teacher, Ms. Hayes. And though Hayes is now retired, dozens of teachers here still share fond memories of her.

   You know, I was just thinking. I work at the Rock and I’m a stellar sub. Do you think maybe Queen, Linda and I could call ourselves rock stars?

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