Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. Susan Jones came to teach at Nederland Elementary School the same year that Apple released iTunes and the first Harry Potter movie came to theaters. It was 2001. She came to Nederland from South Dakota with 15 years of teaching experience. 

Teaching music was Miss Susan’s dream job and she was able to live her dream for so many years. Her sweet soprano voice fills the NES music room with songs about peace and love. She loved to sing with kids and hopes that they will carry these meaningful songs in their hearts throughout their lives. She said that once, after singing Put A Little Love In Your Heart a student said, “I like this song because it tells us to treat each other the way we would like to be treated, it’s the Golden Key!” 

For many years NES students would make pinwheels in art class and then celebrate International Peace Day. The entire school would gather outside with their pinwheels, along with so many students around the world on the same day, and sing songs sending wishes of peace out into the world. 

Miss Susan introduced NES students to many instruments throughout the years. They included xylophones, ukuleles, drums, metallophones, recorders, glockenspiels, keyboards, and even computers. Miss Susan is a trained Orff music instructor. All the students were well acquainted with her very special instruments, Cinnamon the Guitar and Lady the Ukulele. They have accompanied her on many songs for so many years with so many students. 

Miss Susan also took on one of the most difficult teaching tasks, teaching 5th and 6th grade band. Give several 10- and 11-year old kids an instrument to blow in or a drum to beat for the first time all in the same room -- that takes guts. 

As a part of the NES staff Susan took her turn on several different committees over the years. She says that she always enjoyed working with the PTA and that they were so supportive and played an integral role to the success of the music program. She served on the social committee for many years, helping to honor and celebrate staff members and events throughout the school year. 

Her talents did not go unnoticed by her colleagues. NES school counselor Kristen Kron says, “Susan always comes to work with a smile and eagerness to share her passion for music with our students. I’ve enjoyed listening to the laughter, singing and guitar playing that resonates throughout the halls of NES. We will all miss Susan’s joyfulness for learning and sweet guitar skills.”

Before Miss Susan has more time in her life for gardening, yoga, traveling, and meditation she would like to thank a few people. A special thank you goes to Doug and Barbara at Brightwood Music in Nederland for their support to the students and the music program in Nederland schools. Thanks to Susan Blurton and Simone Smead for the teacher team at NES that they have formed. Also to Liz Evans and Christine Mallery; along with Susan they are the music department in the Nederland schools. 

Miss Susan says, “I have loved teaching in Nederland and being part of the community. There is a magic to Nederland Elementary that I was very blessed to be a part of.”

As you walk out of the music room for the last time, Miss Susan, you do not need to wonder if you had a positive effect on your students. Former student Aya Pelkum Donahue says, “Miss Susan’s cheery attitude was contagious. She’d begin every day with a smile that would inevitably light up the face of each student. She made music accessible to everyone through the games she’d fill each day with and through the countless instruments she had us try. I already miss her excitement and energy and I have no doubt that NES will, too.”

In my own house I hear my daughter singing songs I know she learned in her music class, “Breathe in, breathe out. When I breathe in I breathe in peace.” She sings to herself and she sings to her dolls. Then, she takes out her ukulele and repeats several times how she was taught to properly hold a ukulele: hug it like you love it. 

Miss Susan, you have taught hundreds of students in your 20 years at Nederland Elementary. Thank you for sharing your passion for music with them and with the community. We will miss the songs of peace and love that you, Cinnamon, and Lady have given to us. We wish you all the best in your retirement. 

(Originally published in the May 13, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)