Across Iowa and America, students and teachers are back in the classroom.
As we look ahead to a new academic year, I’d like to commend the dedicated educators, administrators and support staff who make a difference in the lives of students each and every day.
Teachers make a lasting impact on their students from one school year to the next, and even decades after their students leave the classroom.
Like so many families across my home state, I’m proud to have teachers in my own family tree.
I’m the son of a schoolteacher.
My mother taught in [a] one-room rural school [house].
For nearly a half-century – 49 years to be exact – my sister, Lois, was lauded for her work ethic and a respected mentor to her peers.
She taught business and computer classes to three generations of students.
Today, I’d like to sing the praises of my daughter-in-law, Diane Grassley.
She’s married to my son, Robin, who operates our fourth-generation family farm in New Hartford, Iowa, with their son, Patrick Grassley.
At the start of this school year, Diane marks 25 years of service in the Dike-New Hartford Community School District where she works as a teacher associate.
Barbara and I congratulate Diane on this remarkable milestone. And we’re proud to say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because both of Diane’s daughters followed in their mother’s footsteps.
Dana teaches math at Union Middle School in Dysart, Iowa, and Carrie is a school counselor at the Dike Elementary School.
Congratulations, Diane, on your decades of service and unwavering commitment to educating the next generation in the Dike-New Hartford Community School District.
As a proud father-in-law and a graduate of New Hartford High School, I say #rollblue to the Wolverines.
Have a great year!
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