Angell Principal Gary Court is retiring at the end of this school year after 46 years as an Ann Arbor Public Schools educator.
A history like that deserves some fanfare, and that’s exactly what he got last week when the Angell community hosted a “Say Goodbye to the Tie” party for him after school.
“I am grateful for the incredible community of staff, parents and students who have made working at the AAPS an honor and a pleasure,” says Court. “There has been universal support by all on high academic achievement by all students and outstanding citizenship displayed by everyone. I am thankful for the unfettered support and encouragement our community demonstrates for our students.”
Court started working during the 1976-1977 school year at Clague Intermediate (grades 7-9) as a Community Education Coordinator. He then taught English and history at Scarlett Intermediate School. He has served as a school administrator since 1983 at Scarlett, Clague, Slauson, and Tappan middle schools, and has been the principal at James B. Angell Elementary School for the past 13 years.
As for the send-off?
“It was the highlight of my Angell years,” said Angell main office professional Lisa Durham. “Mr. Court was so overwhelmed and surprised by the secret assembly in his honor.”
She said Court embodies everything anyone would want in an administrator.
“He has high expectations of the students and staff, and gives nothing less than his best back,” she said. “He leads with empathy and compassion and has a great sense of humor. One student at his retirement party said she was sad that he was leaving, but she was choosing to be grateful for the time she had with him over being sad.”
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