Mary's Retirement from Education

Can Mike come to SCRED now???

5-29-2008

Mary, what great fun we have had all these years. I have enjoyed working with you even if you are so much older than I am! I enjoyed our drives over to St. Cloud with our coffee break and so enjoyed youy getting the blame when we were late even thought it was my fault 100% of the time! I enjoyed all the conferences we have been to starting with the one during MEA with your German foreign exchange student up to this April in Nisswa. I especially enjoyed scaring you and Lori during your morning walk and making sure you girls got to your room in time for the rosary. Never has the rosary been said so often accompanied by so much good wine.

I remember your first regional directors meeting in which you were asking if you should give in to some parents and we all just said "give in, give in". You didn't get it. Now you do! You asked so many questions about how to do this and how to do that. 14 or so years later you are the one I call to ask how to do this and how to do that. I think you should be the permanent Help desk for the state!

More seriously I enjoyed the many projects we worked on together from principals academies to sharing staff. You were the best neighbor SCRED could have and the best colleague I could have.

I have to end by expressing deep appreciation for taking over our role of engaging MDE and asking tough questions in front of hundreds of people... with no good result!! Speak Truth To Power-always!

Thanks for doing so much for state policy and for all the kids out there.All the best to "Ruprecht and Ruprecht" in the years ahead, Chris.

Amazing

May 29, 2008

I am so honored that I was able to work with the "famous Mary Ruprecht." You have definitely earned your wonderful reputation in the field of special education. Your knowledge is appreciated by so many, including myself. I am so fortunate that I was able to work with you and sponge as much knowledge as possible over this past year. Your hard work and determination to be the best at what you do is so evident. You have made RRSEC what it is today. More important than the knowledge I have gained from working with you, I appreciate the constant support, encouragement and pats on the back I have received from you. All you have done for me has set me up for nothing but success. Thank you. Now for the most important thing I have to say.....enjoy your retirement. Relax and take some time to do the things that truly make you happy. Life is short, so make the most of your new life style. I am so, so, so happy for you. You are VERY deserving of a break. Enjoy. Lana

Thanks

May 2008

Mary -

I just want to say thanks for all that you have done for the staff of RRSEC and the member districts. It has been an honor to work for someone who is so highly respected in this state. You vision and passion for helping children has been an wonderful example to us all. Thanks for being a great boss these last 8 years. Enjoy your "retirement" and don't make Mike work too hard! (Not that he will listen to you anyway....),

Thanks,

Chad Oblander

10

1999

Mary,

I don't think you realize what a inspiration and fine mentor you have been to me over the years! Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable. I wish you the best of luck in this new phase of life. Hopefully, you can slow down a bit and enjoy the little things! Also, I hope you report that you are a 10 everyday!
Kim Gibbons

Children

5-28-08

Dear Mary,

It is time to reflect on all these years that you have "done the right things for kids" and say thanks for a job well done. Thank you for your unending diligence and efforts to address the needs of children with disabilities. I have especially appreciated your understanding of the needs of children who are blind/low vision and the complexities of providing braille. I hope you find joy in the days ahead as you continue your journey and discover new passions that fill your time with meaning. I wish you continued good health and happiness.

With kindness,
Donna

DITTO

May 2008

Okay, I got here too late to be the first to say all the nostalgic words of praise and adoration. I'll try anyway. You have been an inspiration; you have always worked harder than me; you have shared your deep convictions; you have always found time for me when I needed advice or assistance with a problem; you have been trusting in the professionalism of others until proven otherwise; you have led by example; you have seen your staff for their contributions and strengths rather than any weaknesses; you have balanced the wisdom of the past with your vision of the future; you have defended educators against unwarranted attack from parents, community and government; in the times of controversy, criticism, and chaos, you have been steadfast and honorable; you have been productive and energetic in situations where no one could be blamed for simply giving up; and you are all those other nice things that have been written about you here. To the thoughtful remarks of others, I give a hearty, heartfelt "DITTO!"

In an unambiguously positive fashion, you have influenced my career in ways that will continue long after someone else sits in your office and listens to the endless stream of complaints and demands that come with the job.

You have been influential and powerful in my career and in my life. Thank you.

Rod

24 Hours

7-1-1993

Once upon a time, about thirty years ago, at a school named CADRE my wife became my boss. Thinking this might lead to complications I pursued other career opportunities within school district 911. Then about fourteen years ago it happened again and I decided to stay put and make the best of it. Well it all worked out fairly well once I learned to accept that I had the same boss for 24 hours a day. Now I must adjust to having a new boss at work and the same boss at home. At least I will not have to adjust for most of the day. Mary may you find fulfillment in your next career and thanks for all the years of leadership (and the supervision as needed). Mike

Way to go!

5-28-2008

Dear Mary,
You have been an inspiration to me, your leadership, integrity, knowledge and mentorship is truly appreciated.
All the best to you,
Elisabeth

Carol Beckerleg

May, 2008

As you take the next step in your career, enjoy the journey. You are certainly influential in our field and typically ask the difficult questions. Good luck in your new venture.

Lori Fildes

1994

Mary and I have been colleagues and friends for almost 15 years. We grew up as Directors together, through the good times, celebrations and the challenges. I have been blessed to have such a wonderful mentor for all these years. Although we have been Directors for almost the same amount of time, Mary has been the wise one of the duo and truly one of the best Directors the field has ever known. The field will never be the same. We will miss you dear friend.

Lori