Celebrating Dedication: Honoring the Lowell Area Schools 2025 Retirees

As the 2024-2025 school year comes to a close, Lowell Area Schools bids a fond farewell to a remarkable group of educators and support staff who are retiring after years—some decades—of service. Their stories reflect passion, perseverance, and deep love for students and learning. Collectively, they have shaped countless lives, mentored future leaders, and helped create the strong educational community Lowell is known for.

This year’s retirees include teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, and support staff. Each one leaves behind a legacy built on relationships, dedication, and care.

Rochelle Cummings – 1st Grade Teacher, Bushnell Elementary

Rochelle Cummings began her teaching journey in 1991 and has worn many hats over the years: K–5 reading specialist, 5th–6th grade Spanish enrichment teacher, and most recently, first grade teacher at Bushnell Elementary.

Her passion for teaching was sparked in college after taking a career placement test and realizing how naturally education aligned with her love for working with children.

“I love it when children set goals for themselves, celebrate their successes, and are inspired to apply what they’ve learned,” she says. Cummings cherishes the connections she’s made and has always loved receiving letters and visits from former students.

In retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with her mom, certifying her dog Harley as a therapy dog, and enjoying some well-earned leisure. “It takes a village to help children learn, grow, and enjoy life,” she reflects with gratitude for the entire school community.

Heather DeJonge – Science Teacher, Lowell High School

Since joining the district in 1990, Heather DeJonge has been a cornerstone of the Lowell Hight School science department. After starting as the in-house suspension teacher, she transitioned into teaching biology, AP biology, and anatomy and physiology.

A true innovator, DeJonge launched a science research class in 2016 through a partnership with the Van Andel Institute, giving students hands-on experience with real-world research. The partnership was so successful that it helped launch a pilot curriculum for other schools.

“I always told students that so much is unknown in science, and we need critical thinkers like them,” she shares.

As she steps away from the classroom, DeJonge looks forward to traveling and spending more time with family—but she plans to continue supporting the LHS community however she can.

Janice Herb – Bus Driver & Paraeducator

What began as a surprise sign-up from her husband turned into a 25-year career for Janice Herb, who started with Lowell Schools in 2000. Over the years, she worked as a substitute bus driver, paraeducator, playground and lunch monitor, and ran the Student Responsibility Center at Cherry Creek before becoming a full-time bus driver in 2003.

Her fondest memories include creating the beloved “singing bus,” writing songs to teach rules and forming meaningful connections with students—like the child who learned to follow bus rules by helping “train” a stuffed frog. That student, now grown, still has the frog and is making a difference in the world.

“I will miss the kids most,” Herb says, laughing as she adds, “and snow days!”

She plans to stay active in retirement with part-time work and time with her grandkids.

Deb Dahlke – Paraeducator, Cherry Creek Elementary

After retiring from Meijer, Deb Dahlke’s sister encouraged her to consider a position at Cherry Creek. She began working in the lunchroom and supervising outdoor recess. One day, she was approached with the opportunity to work with a new student, and she gladly accepted, beginning her journey as a paraeducator.

“I will miss seeing the students each day—watching their growth and knowing I played a small part in their progress has been incredibly rewarding,” she shares. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the difference that consistent support can make in a child’s life.”

Dahlke says she will also miss her coworkers and the supportive environment at the school. In retirement, she looks forward to traveling more and enjoying her next chapter of life.

Becky Smiggen – Science Teacher, Lowell High School

Since 1995, Becky Smiggen has taught biology, English, and physical science at LHS, even writing the curriculum for the school’s forensic science class. A respected department chair and science coach, she also led the JV and varsity girls’ golf teams for more than a decade.

Inspired by her educator family and a dynamic high school anatomy teacher, Smiggen strived to bring science to life for her students. She’ll miss the daily interactions with students and fun labs like burning food and extracting DNA from strawberries.

Retirement will bring more golf, travel, family time, and involvement with her church.

Jenny Cole – English Teacher, Lowell Middle School

Jenny Cole began her career at Cherry Creek in 1999, teaching grades 2 through 4 before moving to Lowell Middle School to teach 7th grade English language arts in 2013. Inspired by her parents and influential English teachers, Cole devoted her career to building strong student relationships.

“I will miss the purpose I felt each day showing up to do what I love,” Cole says.

She plans to work at Brody’s Be Café and become more involved with Special Olympics and children with disabilities, including her son Brody, who has Down syndrome.

Also Retiring

While we were unable to connect with the following individuals for an interview, Lowell Area Schools also recognizes the contributions of these dedicated staff members who are also retiring this year:

• Dave Gregaitis – Custodian, Murray Lake Elementary
• Judy Proefke – Math Interventionist, Alto Elementary
• Burt Breuker – Science Teacher, Lowell Middle School

Each of them has left an impact on students, staff, and the entire Lowell community.

As these educators and support staff close one chapter and begin another, they take with them the gratitude of a district that has been made better by their presence. We thank them for their years of service, and we wish them all the best in the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 8:45am on June 6, 2025, to correct information in Deb Dahlke’s entry.