By KIRBY NEUMANN-REA
News Editor
January 11, 2008

“Feet on the carpet!”

May Street Elementary teacher Calli Vannet calls out to her charges as they eagerly await their parents at the end of the day Thursday. The rule is stay in the classroom until pick-up.

If Vannet is tired after a full day, it does not show in her voice. There is a softness, based on vivid memory of being an antsy kindergartner herself.

Vannet well remembers being a kindergarten student — and in the same building, and the doorway is a familiar one to Vannet, in her first year as a teacher in the Hood River County School District.

The classroom where she now guides 6-year-olds was her fourth-grade classroom.

“I remember each of my teachers and specific things they said. I remember projects I worked on, and even where I sat,” Vannet said.

Trusted teachers are never far away for Vannet. She looks to her former teachers for support, in this her second year as a teacher — and her first back at her old school.

Vannet’s first-grade teacher, Vicki Bebb, teaches at the school, as does Vannet’s kindergarten teacher, Laurie Holmes. And her fourth-grade teacher, Linda Harder, who retired in 2007, regularly serves as a substitute teacher at May Street.

“She was a leader,” recalls Holmes. “She had common sense, and she was gutsy.”

“She was not a quiet student,” Bebb says, and all four teachers laugh. “But I mean that in a good way. She was an involved student, very interested, and really positive. And, she laughed at my jokes.”

“I thought she was perfect,” said Harder. “I mean that. She was very intelligent, and didn’t panic when she didn’t get the right answer. She just had the confidence to try again. And she was friendly — just like she is now.”

The four teachers are connected not only by having young Calli under their wings back in the 1990s, but also as family.

“I felt like she was one of my own,” Harder said.

Calli’s mom, Colleen, is a cousin of Linda’s husband, Ron. Calli’s grandmother, Shirley March, is married to Holmes’ uncle, Don Marsh. And Shirley Marsh is Ron’s aunt.

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At dismissal Thursday, one girl gets confused as she juggles tissue paper and gloves, and Vannet is right there.

“Wanna blow your nose and I’ll help you put on your gloves?” She holds the girl’s gloves and hat, and also reaches for a second tissue.

“You’re a mentor to kids, especially at kindergarten,” said Vannet, who comes from a long line of teachers including her great-grandmother, her great-aunt, and her grandfather, Ed Vannet, of Hood River. “You’re one more positive adult in their life. It’s a big responsibility

“I remember always having to get through specific tasks each day and sometimes being a little worried if some of them didn’t get done,” she said.

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“I remember so much about school,” said Vannet, who started her career in 2006 in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, teaching fifth-grade at a 1,400-student school (roughly three times the size of May Street). “I think I always wanted to be a teacher, and it’s because of the great things that happened to me at May Street. I especially knew by the time I was 12.”

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Vannet’s parents are Chris and Colleen, and her grandparents are Ed and Cherie Vannet. Her brother, Casey, is a college student.

Vannet graduated from HRVHS in 2001, where she was a standout basketball and softball player. (She also serves as assistant coach of the Eagle girls hoops team) She went on to Western Oregon University for her bachelor’s degree in education and Willamette University for her master’s degree.

Then three opportunities opened at May Street: kindergarten and grades three and five.

“They hired me as kindergarten teacher because they felt it was the best fit. I love it,” Vannet said. “I feel very comfortable here. I am really excited about being a kindergarten teacher.”

Bebb was part of the hiring committee.

“She interviewed like she lived in the classroom,” Bebb said.

Vannet said she has, in turn, felt very welcomed at May Street.

She credits her predecessor, Lynne Pendleton, who retired last summer and left her ample study plans, supplies and resources, and her current kindergarten colleagues, Monica von Lubken and Stephanie Perkins.

“They are amazing. They have been very welcoming,” Vannet said.

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It just plain feels good to be back.

“I see friends’ children in the halls and the colleagues I’ve known over my 24 years, It is such a positive experience.

“I remember doing just what I do with my kids: sitting on the ABC rug, and reading ‘The Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly.’

“Laurie (Holmes) told that story and used hand puppets. And so do I.”

But there is a distinction between young Calli and Ms. Vannet.

“I was shocked the first time I saw her with a stern face,” Harder said. “I thought, ‘that’s dear, sweet Calli.’”

Vannet enjoys the warm memories of her own time at May Street but understands her true role is in what lies ahead.

“What I like about teaching is just being able to provide another positive adult role model, seeing kids accomplish those little things they work toward, and helping them with their self-esteem as they head toward whatever journey they have next.

“It is nice being in the community,” Vannet said. “I feel like I’m teaching my best, and that there’s always something to learn here. With the help of people here I can continue to be a better teacher.”