Middletown City Schools

In observance of Juneteenth, all Middletown City Schools buildings, including District Offices, will be closed on June 19.

Today, we commemorate this important day in our nation's history and reflect on the values of freedom and opportunity for all.

🍎 Celebrating Greta Popp's Retirement! 🍎

After 36 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Greta Popp, Teacher at Middletown High School and Midd State, on her retirement.
Throughout her career, Greta served students at Middletown High School and Midd State, inspiring generations of learners with her passion for education and her appreciation for the energy and optimism that students bring each day.

When reflecting on her career, Greta shared:
“One of the things I loved most about teaching was being surrounded by the enthusiasm and optimism of young people every day. A particularly memorable time in my career was following the events of September 11, 2001, when students began asking deeper questions about history and realizing its significance in a new way. Looking back, my career seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. My advice to educators is to enjoy every day because time goes by faster than you think.”

Thank you, Greta, for your dedication to students, your love of learning, and the lasting impact you have made over the past 36 years. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 💜

🍎 Celebrating Brian King's Retirement! 🍎

After 30 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Brian King, Teacher at Middletown High School and Midd State, on his retirement.
Throughout his career, Brian served students at Garfield Alternative School, Middletown High School, Manchester, and Midd State. His commitment to building strong relationships with students and creating meaningful connections helped make a lasting impact on countless young people throughout the years.

When reflecting on his career, Brian shared:
“One of my favorite memories was participating in a staff versus student volleyball game during my time at Garfield Alternative School. It was a fun experience that brought students and staff together in a unique way. Throughout my career, I learned that mentorship and open communication are often more powerful than traditional teaching methods. Building relationships with students is everything, and those connections are what make the greatest difference.”

Thank you, Brian, for your dedication to students, your passion for mentorship, and the positive impact you have made throughout your career. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 💜

🍎 Celebrating Trish Keen's Retirement! 🍎

After 34 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Patricia "Trish" Keen, High School Art Teacher at Middletown High School, on her retirement.

Throughout her career, Trish served students at Central Academy and Middletown High School, sharing her passion for art and creativity with generations of young artists. Her dedication helped students develop not only artistic skills, but also confidence and self-expression.

When reflecting on her career, Trish shared:
“I loved sharing my passion for art with students every day and was continually inspired by how much the Middletown community values its children. One lesson I hope others carry with them is the importance of empathy. Every student and colleague is facing challenges we may not see, and leading with patience, understanding, and compassion can make a meaningful difference in both education and life.”

Thank you, Trish, for inspiring creativity, encouraging self-expression, and making a lasting impact on countless students. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 💜

🍎 Celebrating Amy Hoevel's Retirement! 🍎

After 32 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Amy Hoevel, Band Director at Middletown High School, on her retirement.

For more than three decades, Amy led the Middletown High School band program while also working with students throughout the district. From introducing young musicians to their instruments in middle school to watching them perform as accomplished seniors, she helped shape generations of Middie musicians.

When reflecting on her career, Amy shared:
“One of the greatest joys of being a band director was starting students on their instruments in fifth or sixth grade and watching them grow into talented musicians by the time they graduated. Every spring concert was special because it was a chance to celebrate and say goodbye to seniors I had known for years. I still get goosebumps thinking about the marching band walking through the gates to perform at Disney's Magic Kingdom. My advice to educators is to keep expectations high. There will be difficult days, but the good days will far outshine the bad ones. Push students toward success and excellence.”

Thank you, Amy, for inspiring generations of musicians and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 💜

🍎 Celebrating Brian Campbell's Retirement! 🍎

After 32 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Brian Campbell, Science Teacher at Middletown High School, on his retirement.
Throughout his career, Brian served students as a science teacher at Garfield Alternative Center and Middletown High School. Over three decades, he built lasting relationships with students, colleagues, and families while helping young people develop a deeper understanding of science and the world around them.

When reflecting on his career, Brian shared:
“The staff and administrators I worked with became much more than coworkers—they became family. We raised our children together, celebrated holidays, and even vacationed together. Early in my career, veteran teachers taught me the importance of finding humor in frustrating situations so you don't burn out. It has been a privilege to teach and live in the same community. My wife, Kathy, is also retiring this year, and having all four of our children graduate as Middies has been a tremendous source of pride for our family.”

Thank you, Brian, for your dedication to students, your commitment to the Middletown community, and the relationships you built throughout your career. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 💜

🍎 Celebrating Catherine Beach's Retirement! 🍎

After 23 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Catherine Beach, Math Teacher at Middletown High School, on her retirement.
Throughout her career at Middletown High School as a math teacher, she encouraged students to persevere through challenges, think critically, and reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.

One of Catherine's greatest joys was seeing students succeed in all aspects of their high school careers. Whether their path led them to Butler Tech, allowed them to pursue a passion in the arts, or prepared them for college and career opportunities, she took pride in supporting their individual journeys. She especially enjoyed hearing from former students who would return to share updates about their lives and accomplishments after graduation.

Thank you, Catherine, for your years of service, your commitment to students, and the difference you have made in Middletown City Schools. We wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter of retirement! 💜

http://www.journal-news.com/local/watch-5-questions-with-the-middletown-s-incoming-superintendent/video_0979bb79-e59c-55c7-8957-fc83eccf2fbe.html

The Journal-News attended Monday’s Meet and Greet and had the opportunity to speak with incoming Superintendent Elgin Card before the event.

During the conversation, Mr. Card shared that building relationships is a key first step in learning more about the Middletown community and identifying the work ahead. He also credited outgoing Superintendent Deborah Houser for her leadership and the progress made during her tenure.

Looking ahead, Mr. Card said he is eager to work alongside district and building staff to review academic progress and continue moving the district forward. He will continue his transition throughout the summer and officially assume full superintendent duties on August 1.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Card to Middletown City Schools!

WATCH: 5 questions with the Middletown’s incoming superintendent As Middletown City School District prepares to welcome a new superintendent in August, G. Elgin Card says his early focus will be on relationships, academic progress and becoming part of

🍎 Celebrating Kathleen Wilson's Retirement! 🍎

After 20 years of dedicated service to Middletown City Schools, we congratulate Kathleen Wilson, Intervention Specialist at Middletown Middle School, on her retirement.

Throughout her career, Kathleen served students as an Intervention Specialist at Verity Middle School and Middletown Middle School. Her commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and student success helped create a supportive learning environment for countless students.

When reflecting on her career, Kathleen shared:
“I truly enjoyed working as a co-teacher in the inclusion setting and felt incredibly supported by the hardworking Team 7-3 staff. One of the most memorable experiences of my career was helping bring together the staffs from Vail and Verity as we transitioned into one middle school community. My advice to educators is to start fresh with every student each day, take the time to get to know their personalities, find reasons to laugh, and always look for the positives.”

Thank you, Kathleen, for your compassion, teamwork, and dedication to helping students succeed. We wish you all the best in your retirement! 💜