Lisa Plourde, a long-time and much-loved Conners Emerson teacher recently died after a long illness. Via "comments" below, please share thoughts and remembrances of Ms. Plourde so that we can all know how she has touched your life. You can choose to leave your name or not.
I so fondly remember making quick stops into Ms Plourde's classroom over the years. The happy smell of popcorn often filled the air, and the animated smiles of the kids brightened the room. Lisa's open, generous aura let you know instantly that you were welcome.
ReplyDeleteVisiting that last room on the left was always a small adventure, as the kids would want to proudly share their latest story or poem or tell about what they were doing to save the world.
We have many wonderful classrooms here and many wonderful teachers, but I do miss the sounds, the smells and the safe, genial atmosphere of that classroom and I really miss seeing Lisa's smiling face.
Rick Barter
I loved that every time Ms Plourde asked for a favor or help, or was sending a thank you note, she would send a stickie note with a smiley face and a lollipop. She was, like her little gifts, a bright spot in the day.
ReplyDeleteSiobhan Ryan
Over our years of working together, Lisa and I collaborated on many projects: a puppetry unit for 7th graders, Civil Rights Teams, a "Civil Rights Week" to honor Martin Luther King, a poetry unit about peace, a panel of "diverse" scientists form the Jackson Lab, storytelling with 5th graders, a "breakfast club" for the middle school, inviting Robert Shetterly to our school. The list goes on and on. In truth, I doubt I could have accomplished many of these things if not for Lisa's influence. We were a team.
ReplyDeleteAbove all else, however, Lisa was my friend. She was interested in my life, my family, my dog (of course). She was always focusing on other people, rather than herself. I found that to be true, even when she was ill. When having a conversation with her, she had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world.
I will miss her terribly and I am forever grateful to have had her in my life.
I am very saddened by this news. I know my brothers will be, too. Ms. Plourde was one of our favorite grade school teachers.
ReplyDeleteShe would always call me JoJo. If I was sick for more than one day she would call me to see how I was doing and I would do the same for her. No one was aware of this, we just did it. Lastly, she LOVED her Patriots!
ReplyDeleteI loved Lisa with all my heart, she was the kindest, most loving person I have ever met. The thirty two years I have known her she taught me many things, gratitude, gardening, be happy! The love and devotion she had for our sons Dorson and Colin Plourde was
ReplyDeleteincredible. I am a better person because of Lisa. I and will
miss her so much. Nancy M. Plourde (sister-in-law)
Ms. Plourde was truly one of my favorite teachers of all time. She was always so kind and caring, sweet and supportive. I remember always feeling so comfortable in her presence. She was timeless in many ways. For the longest time she didn't seem to change or age at all. Always wearing a button down shirt and long wool skirt with a skinny belt. Everything about her was peaceful and joyful. I am so so very sorry to hear of her passing. So young. I am also sad to learn that that there is no service in her memory. I would love the opportunity to experience the community and comfort that she always created in the classroom so to properly thank her and bid her farewell.
ReplyDeleteWith love and fondness,
Milja Brecher-DeMuro.
She was the one who inspired me and allowed me to write poetry.. she got me published at age 12 and constantly asked about my life and how I was doing, giving my parents advice on dealing with a blossoming teen. Without her support, I may never have realized how everyone has the ability to create, to inspire, to be inspired and to accept kindness. Her compassion, her selfless ways, her smile and her acceptance to everyone around her was astonishing. I only wish she'd have let us know more about such a wonderful person, and that she'd held a service with many former students and friends. Her bright light of a presence will always be cherished, making this a bittersweet time. Thanks you to everyone who guided her to who she is today, and to someone out there whom I know exists that will be the saddest of everyone, no matter who you are, thank you. We're all around, feeling the same way that you feel.
ReplyDeleteA former *teen* student.
Sorry to hear about Lisa'a passing. She was an exceptional teaching partner and person. I especially remember her gullibility and how we joked with her. She had a great sense of humor and really cared about her students. I can't believe she's gone and will miss seeing her at the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteMike
Lisa has been an incredible influence in my life! I first met Lisa the summer of 2004 when I was interviewing for my first teaching job. It was a dream of mine to work at Conner Emerson, and I was incredibly nervous, knowing what an incredible opportunity I had in front of me. From the moment I met Lisa, I felt at ease and comfortable. Although I had just met her, it felt like I was having a conversation with a dear friend. It was remarkable how supportive and invested she was in my “story”, and I left the interview having a totally new reason to work at Conners Emerson: to join the 5th grade team with Lisa Plourde and David Keefe.
ReplyDeleteDays later, I had the honor of joining the Conners Emerson community, and I will never forget how supportive both Lisa and David were in helping me navigate the uncharted waters of my first days as a teacher. I remember our daily lunch meetings with deep sentiment; my teaching, and life, would be forever enriched by those times spent together. For those two years, Lisa and David were more than my colleagues, they were my family.
Lisa’s guidance was a tremendous support for me! I admired her connection with students, families, faculty, and staff, and her influence continues to inspire me.
In my last days working at Conners Emerson, before moving to Florida, my 5th grade team generously gave me a gift: a Bar Harbor blanket. I remember Lisa saying that when I would miss Bar Harbor, I could wrap it around me, and it would be like I was getting a ‘big hug’. Lisa’s thoughtfulness and kindness always felt genuine and effortless. When I recently returned to Bar Harbor, and shared with her that I had returned to the school, she wrote, ‘Yes, I knew you were going to be the sixth grade math teacher. ...didn’t you hear me yell, Yipee?’
It was an honor to know and work with Lisa. I am eternally grateful that I had the privilege of having such a dear role-model, confidant, and friend!
Christina Nicholson
I was so sad to hear of Lisa's death. I was a parent volunteer in her classroom and was deeply touched by the warmth, enthusiasm, good humor and kindness with which she interacted with all her students. She was so encouraging to everyone. One grand adventure we shared was a trip with students to Bar Island with her class. We got caught by the tide across the Bar and had to splash back to dry land. Ever after that, she would greet me with a chuckle about our misadventure. She shared joy with others so easily.
ReplyDeleteGlenon Friedmann
With a person like Lisa words fail to express the fulness of her being. After many years of working with and knowing Lisa, being in her classroom innumerable times, my clearest and permanent memory of her is her authentic love and respect for each of her students above all. She was always seeking ways that would best allow them to fully express who they were. What could a middle schooler want more than to be in a safe place where they felt this acceptance while at the same time learning the power of the word, self expression and the importance of compassion for others on the planet? Lisa was a person of deep conviction, and though she might underestimate her impact on her students and the system in general, had immeasurable influence on the many whose lives she has touched. Even after I had left then Union 98, I would receive an occasional email from her with something she was thinking about that seemed important to the classroom and learning. I think she was usually right and I would tuck away the reference to share with others.
ReplyDeleteLisa's impact in this life? Who can capture it really? I'll conclude with the words of Hafiz. "If you think the truth can be known from words, if you think the sun and the ocean can pass through the tiny opening called the mouth, O, someone should start laughing."
When i was a fifth grader, every time i walked in that room she would always give me a warm welcoming greeting like hello and hi etc. Now every time i walk in that room it always feels like something is missing and then i realize what is missing and that thing that is missing is her. Sometimes i feel like i was her favorite student because i would do a lot of nice things for her. Now that may not be true but i will always feel like that no matter what. I remember her by my dad because my dad had her for a teacher. I was so lucky to have her for a ELA teacher and i will never forget the days we cherished together. Ms.Plourde will be missed dearly and maybe forever. We all miss you Ms.Plourde and we hope you are in a better place.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Faith Lynn Mitchell
Ms. Plourde I hope you are in a better place
ReplyDeletesincerly
jared mitch
Today a little butterfly flew by me.
ReplyDeleteI thought to myself where have you been little butterfly.
You come into this world as a cocoon all by yourself and blossom into
this beautiful butterfly and fly off to see the world.
What you don’t realize little butterfly as you flutter through your days
is how you touch those around you in your soft gentle way.
You don’t even realize the wonder and awe you create around you.
she fluttered her wings toward me as if she was waving good-by as she
headed towards the horizon.
She looked very happy and content as she went on her way, as if to say
to me “Don’t worry I’ll be okay”.
I was sad to see her go for she had touched my heart in such a way that
I knew my life would never be the same.
She had left an imprint of all the beauty life has to offer.
I knew each time I looked at another butterfly or horizon I would
remember our moment in time when it was only her and I.
I knew I would be a better person all because this little butterfly flew by
me one bright sunny day.
Faith Lynn Mitchell
I am so very, very sorry about Lisa. She was a valued colleague of mine at Emerson School for 15 years, where I served on her support team her first years of teaching. I shall always remember her contributions and dedication to the children of Bar Harbor, as well as her highly valued input to the staff. She will be missed by so many people.
ReplyDeleteLarry Cole
Ms. Plourde ALWAYS had a smile on her face, a shoulder to lean on (or cry on if needed) and never stopped helping anyone who even hinted they needed help!! She always had TONS of encouragement to give and a gentle, mental nudge when you were in a writer's slump! Ms. Plourde was in my top 3 BEST and GREATEST teachers of all times and even though I have a empty spot in my heart from missing her, I am also now in a position at my child's elementary school to help others as she helped me. You may be gone but you will NOT be forgotten and may you now rest in peace...awaiting for your class to be one again!
ReplyDeleteHeather Peacock Shortway
I met Lisa while doing my student-teaching on her floor in 1990 and then I worked as a teachers aid 1990-91. She was one of the teachers who deeply supported me as a fledgling teacher and gave me an example of teaching from the heart. When I taught on Islesford 1991-3 Lisa sent me round wooden cheese boxes with supplies to make dream catchers with my students. In 1994 I was teaching art at Conners Emerson and we had more time to connect. We often met for walks and exchanged poetry. When I moved away for a while this verbal exchange continued and her words about the island helped me stay connected and want to move back when the time came to make that choice. (She always said she could not imagine leaving the island.) Lisa did so much for so many people in large and small ways. I recall one time she had a class doing projects about the island and two students were not feeling very motivated. Lisa got permission to take them on a special field trip, paying for plane tickets herself to take them up over the island and she gave them disposable cameras to document the view. Funny thing is, I don't know many facts about Lisa's life, she was always the one asking me questions, listening to my stories. Her selflessness and joy in supporting others is an ongoing inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteEmily Bracale
I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Plourde for my 7th grade homeroom teacher back in 1998-1999, and I remember her dedication to each and every one of us in her classroom. She would go above and beyond to ensure that we not only understood, but excelled in the material we were being taught. If we didn't understand the material, she would stay late and work with us until we understood. She always had a smile on her face and made sure that the same went for her students. One of my fondest memories though was her dedication to "Sonogee Buddies" where she would pair students up with a resident at Sonogee who otherwise may not have had anyone stop in and visit, it was educational, developmental, and fun. She was one of my favorite teachers and will be deeply missed.
ReplyDeleteMerval "Charlie" Porter
former Student
Ms. Plourde was and still is my favorite teacher ever. The summer before 5th grade, I remember getting the letter that said that I was going to be in Ms. Plourde's class, and I remember My sister saying that she was the best teacher ever. And she was right. Every morning I looked forward to the fun and exciting activities that she had planned for us. I remember the mini parties that our class used to have. Even now, since I've moved to Acton, MA (Where the teachers are supposedly better...), I haven't had a single teacher that is kinder, nicer, and funnier than Ms. Plourde. I only had her for half a year, and then she was sick and we had substitutes all the time.
ReplyDeleteI remember going to ELA every day with my laptop, and how she would let me sit on the windowsill during free-write time.
I will always remember the time that she let me and my friends make a little reading corner under a table. She let us bring in pillows and blankets.
I also remember how proud it made me, because she cherished my sister's drawings so much. She would hang them on her walls, and for the first month or two at school, I would always point out 'Those are my sisters drawings! Isn't Ms. Plourde so nice to put them up!' I would wonder 'if I gave her a drawing, would she put it up too?' I never dreamed that she wouldn't be there to put one of my drawings up.
I remember how she helped my sister edit her writing story for the scholastic writing competition. It seemed like she was always there for my sister. They were both extremely excited when the announcement came that she had gotten not only a gold key, but also a national level silver medal.
Ms. Plourde will always stay in my heart, and I will miss her forever. I wish I could have visited her last summer when we came back for a few days.
Joy Zhang
7th grade
former student
Ms. Plourde is the reason I love writing. She constantly made me feel like I was special, and she always treasured everything I wrote, no matter what it was about or how it was written or anything, really. I know that everyone felt special in Ms. Plourde's classroom.
ReplyDeleteOut of all my classes, Ms. Plourde's is the only one I remember in detail. I remember almost everything we did, even if I don't remember the order. I always felt that in Ms. Plourde's classroom, I could be whatever I wanted to be, that I could accomplish anything under her guidance. I have always been uncomfortable sharing my work with people (one of my insecurities) but whenever I was finished writing, I immediately showed Ms. Plourde. I would send my poems to her, and she made a little folder on her computer and put all of them there. She told me that she would treasure whatever I wrote.
It has always been frustrating for me to take classes in which I was forced to write with rules. I always remember Ms. Plourde, and how in her classroom, we were allowed to write with no rules, no consequences, and no judgments. Everybody could find their individual styles, and Ms. Plourde would love every single person. She never got angry at those who misbehaved, but kindly convinced them to apologize, or stop whatever it was they were doing.
People have congratulated me on my insight as a writer, yet I know that part of that was put in me by Ms. Plourde. She always encouraged me to think harder, to try harder.
In her classroom, I was obsessed with drawing flowers from field guides. She loved my drawings so much she told me to go get them laminated at the library, and then she hung them up. It was just one of her many ways of making me feel special.
I haven't had a teacher as kind, caring, encouraging, and believing as her. She put so much faith into me, and I will always remember her for everything she did for me. I only wish that I was able to return everything she's done for me, that I had a chance to visit her, that I had a chance to properly thank her for always being there for me.
Ms. Plourde will always have a special place in my heart, and I will never forget you!!!!
Carol Zhang
I have taken many days to find the words. We grow up together, graduated and played in Bar Harbor. We Lisa, Erica, and Franz where the Three Bears...Mount Desert
ReplyDeleteThis is the place the heart will long remember.
Its flowery June, its snow in bleak December.
Where through the year a beauty rare and strange.
Comes to perfection with each seasons change.
Each lovely lake, each wooded, deep green vale.
Each mountain has its charms which never fail.
Each wave that beats upon the rocky shore
Calls urgently,” Come back, come back again once more!”
Those who dwell for just a little while
Depart enchanted by its magic isle.
Where sea winds blowing across the granite peaks.
Waft healing balm the weary, tired heart seeks.
Essence of fragrant pines and tang of sea
Blended by mystic island alchemy.
And though the wanderer far may roam,
He finds his heart has made this isle its home.
by Dorothy Hodgkins Stanley
from the book East Wind 1987
Mary Ann (Millar)Brissette
I just read about this yesterday and I cannot get my mind wrapped around the fact that Lisa is gone. Lisa was a friend, neighbor and classmate of mine back in Houlton. We were friends from kindergarten to graduation.
ReplyDeleteShe was bright, caring and a beautiful person. I knew she had made a life for herself in Bar Harbor and it is typical of who she is that she touched so many people in a positive way. The gift she gave to those who were fortunate to know her was priceless.
It is said that you never lose anyone in death that gave you so much in life. And Lisa gave much.
To the family, Erica, Franz and Yanna: I am so sorry for your loss.
Please know that you and those close to her will be in my thoughts and prayers. Bless all of you.
Matt Bodine
I remember moving to Maine in 2004 and being placed in Ms. Plourde's homeroom, and as soon as I stepped through the door she made me feel comfortable and welcome in such a hard time of my life. I look back now with a sour taste in my mouth as I remember the times I wanted to drop by and say hi and thank her for inspiring to put my feelings into words, and getting my poem published at the young age of twelve, but I never did and now I never will. Her passing is an enormous loss to Conners-Emerson and the teaching community as a whole. She was a truly gifted language teacher, especially being able to encourage younger children to embrace their creative side and write something silly or serious, it never mattered. She was one of the best people I knew and probably one of the best I will ever know. She will be forever missed.
ReplyDeleteBehind are small footprints yet big shoes to fill, not from a teacher but a mentor peering deep into wellspring pools of creative souls. Adieu my friend and thank you :)
ReplyDelete