Page 12 - Summer 2018_Final 3

Volume 39, Issue 4 EBEA Newsletter Page 12

JOANNE FICKE: BOWNE MUNRO NURSE LESLIE GAERTNER: HAMMARSKJOLD PHYSICAL ED-
Joanne Ficke was an exceptional school nurse and UCATION TEACHER
Bowne-Munro was lucky to have ten years with her in Leslie was raised in East Brunswick and graduated from
that position. Joanne came to Bowne-Munro from East Brunswick High School and Ball State University. She
Piscataway where she worked as a school nurse in an began her teaching career as a physical educator at Ham-
elementary school for many years. She quickly marskjold Junior High School in 1979. During the past 38
established herself as a key member of the Bowne- years, Leslie has dedicated herself to her students and
Munro family. In addition to taking care of the needs of profession on many levels, instilling the importance of
the students and staff in the building in an ever- physical fitness as a life skill, respect for all and responsi-
assuring, calm manner, Joanne introduced many bility for one’s self. From 1989 through 1996, Leslie
wonderful activities and events to the school taught at Bowne-Munro elementary school, then re-
community. Since her very first year at Bowne-Munro, turned to complete a successful and memorable career
she has established the Bowne-Munro Fit Girls, a spring at Hammarskjold Middle School.
running club in which fourth and fifth grade girls train Leslie coached the EBHS girls gymnastics team for many
to build endurance and confidence through running. years and judged gymnastics competitions as an NJSIAA
This club’s culminating activity is a 2 mile run at the gymnastics official. She contributed her time to school
high school track. Another event that Joanne brought
and community serving as a valuable PTA liaison, an
to the Bowne community is the Health Fair. Joanne EBEA building representative, as the coordinator of the
organized guest speakers from various health fields to “Volleys for Cancer” fundraiser at Hammarskjold Middle
come to the school to present information to the School and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honor-
students. This well-run event included rotations ary organization of women educators.
through five different age-appropriate topic stations
for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Leslie’s plans for retirement are to travel, relax and enjoy
There are so many events that Joanne has been a part her time with friends and family. She will be greatly
of or initiated. If one had to pick a singular event that missed by her students, staff and colleagues. Wishing her
demands notice, it would have to be this year’s the very best in her years of retirement.
Memorial Day celebration. Joanne spearheaded a
committee to bring much needed attention to this
important day. She arranged for veterans, those who
were relatives of students and staff, to be honored.
Students proudly walked their family members down a
red carpet to the applause of the entire community.
The patriotic songs of the day and the waving of flags
created an overall feeling of respect and pride for
these honored guests. Joanne’s goal was to honor the
service of these important men and women, to ensure
that their heroism would not be forgotten. She not
only achieved this goal but brought a sense of pride in
our country to everyone in the room.
Though Joanne has big plans for her retirement –
traveling, spending as much time with her
grandchildren as possible, and enjoying living along the
Jersey shore with her husband, Marty – Bowne is not
quite ready to let her go. We certainly expect her to
visit often, especially when we do our best to continue
the events that have become her legacy.