As GPISD Students Head to Class, Retired Teachers Head to Breakfast at Outlaws
A group of Zavala Elementary alumni has spent a decade marking the start of the school year with coffee, pancakes, and zero lesson plans.
Many of you might recognize this distinguished group of Zavala Elementary teachers, faculty, and parents. I can spot four of the six teachers I had at Zavala, and my mom right there on the back row.
This 10th Annual breakfast has become a tradition for the group, who taught together for years and shared countless first days of school side by side. Many still sub or tutor part-time for the district and love working with K–5 students, but they don’t miss the stress of lesson plans, Back-to-School nights, or early mornings in the carline.
These teachers represent the heart of so many childhoods in Zavala Elementary and Grand Prairie, and their influence on our lives cannot be overstated. I learned my ABCs in Mrs. Gilbreath’s kindergarten class by listening to Letter People records and welcoming the characters into our classroom with songs. We celebrated Dinosaur Day in first grade, took science field trips in second grade, and marked every season with Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas parties, and Valentine’s parties.
Because this was also my mom’s friend group, my childhood included camping trips, slumber parties, and long summer days spent swimming at many of their homes. Even now, at 45, I still find it hard to call any of them by their first name.
I love seeing this group together, celebrating a lifetime of educating so many of our youth in Grand Prairie. Happy Back-to-School Breakfast, Retired Teachers! And to the teachers starting their first day tomorrow — take it all in. One day, you’ll look back and miss the First Day of School and the joy of welcoming a new class of eager young learners.
You nailed it! You are a talented writer for sure because these teachers gave you a solid foundation on which to build your skills! I am grateful to those who taught my daughters, who loved and nurtured them in life, who held them accountable to do their best and never stop giving their best effort, and who were forgiving and tough as needed! Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️