It was a class everyone looked forward to.
A few decades back, a certain nun at Brighton’s St. Patrick School ran a first grade that is described by many as “rigorous.”
Yet awaiting them was a much different experience: second grade, with Gerri Burress.
“They did a good job getting us ready for Mrs. Burress’s class,” said Veronica Hatty Thelander, now 44.
The memories remain fond for former students, now adults and in careers of their own, living in all corners of the world.
“Having Mrs. Burress was a big deal,” said KC Perlberg, now 34 and a teacher himself, living in Chicago. “She was spectacular.”
At the age of 7, Perlberg says he would not have been able to articulate what the experience meant. But in hindsight, he remembers a warm and welcoming classroom where 35 students and a teacher pulled off a miracle every day.
“She had this great room with lots to do and lots of energy,” he said.
Carrie Hatty Martins, now 43, Veronica’s sister, remembers special activities, such as making Stone Soup, based on a well-known folk tale.
Among the most memorable aspects was a loft in the room, built by Burress’s husband, where students could go for reading time or other activities.
“It was really special to read up there,” she said.
Also memorable was the coveted reward of Jolly Ranchers for good behavior and other incentives.
“She didn’t have to be a disciplinarian,” Perlberg said.
As for Burress, discipline wasn’t a problem.
“I never had a bad class,” she said. She retired from St. Pat School in 2000, after 22 years, but continued to substitute teach there and elsewhere for several years after that.
She attributes much of the success in her classroom to the different activity centers she established, so students could pass through their day with learning centers that engaged interest and prevented boredom.
“I tried to make it something students really wanted to come for,” she said. “I loved it. Or I wouldn’t have done it.”
And there were many extra special events that former students still speak of with affection. One of those was an “unbirthday party” at the end of the year, designed for students who have birthdays during the summer. She held that at her house in Howell with all students and parents invited, and now decades later, it still feels like a big deal.
Summer also brings Burress’s own birthday, on July 24, when she will be reaching a milestone: age 90. Her husband, Daniel, a retired judge who still serves part time on the bench, had hopes to have a party for her, with friends as well as former students stopping by. But those plans came to an end when Gerri suspected something was in the works and she made her feelings known: No party!
Daniel Burress said he has been married to his wife for 68 years, more than long enough to know that when she says “no party,” she means it, so those plans were canceled. Even though she still remains very active, she has had a difficult year recovering from a bad fall.
“I don’t want to put her under that kind of stress,” he said.
But he thinks former students might still want to make contact, and he invites them to send a card to their home, at 850 Hacker, Howell, 48843.
