By Chad Koenen

Publisher

When the final bell rang on Friday, it wasn’t just the final time students would heed the call of the bell at school for the year, but it also marked the final day of two longtime staff members at Henning School.

With a combined 86 years of experience between them, elementary teacher Jennifer Haugdahl and bus driver Glenn Scott officially retired from Henning School on Friday.

Haugdahl has been a teacher at Henning School for the past five years after coming to the school district from Alexandria. She has been a teacher for 36 years and most recently taught first grade at Henning School. 

“I really loved having an influence on the kids and helping them realize how much fun it is to learn,” she said. 

Haugdahl said she focused on reinforcing good behavior and prided herself on opening up the students’ eyes to unique learning opportunities, like teaching students French. She also made an expansive yearbook for students in her class each year to help remember some of the fun learning experiences they had throughout their time in her class.

Now that she is retired, Haugdahl said she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and grandchildren, riding bike and traveling.

Scott originally began driving bus for the Pipestone School District in 1973 and has over 50 years of experience ensuring children arrive safely to school each day. He began driving for the Henning School District in 1987 as a substitute driver and made it a point to get to know each of the kids on his route every year. 

“I made up my mind when I turn 80 (to retire) and I just thought that was the magic number,” said Scott. 

The long-time bus driver turned 80 in August originally began driving the bus because he needed another source of income, but quickly fell in love with the opportunity to ensure students arrived safely at school and playing a part in their educational experience. He said what has made the job so enjoyable over the years has been the kids, who he said are great.

“I made an announcement in school and said we have great kids so keep it up,” he said.

Scott is inviting the public to a large retirement party on July 4 from 12-4 p.m. at 44499 Castle Dr. on East Battle Lake. The day will feature food and drinks, as well as lawn games and swimming.