The End....for now

The first 10 years Randy taught at West Rome Junior High, but in 1990 the city schools consolidated into Rome Middle School.  This is where Randy poured his heart, soul and many hours of his life over his teaching career.  Students loved his class because he was a storyteller.  He could make social studies, economics, history, and life lessons interesting.  Many parents told me that their dinner conversations often revolved around Mr. Nobles' stories and class happenings!

His classroom at RMS...he NEVER changed rooms.
Most teachers did!

The social studies department had a surprise breakfast for him on his last day of teaching. It was to begin at 7:45, so Brandon Williams was in charge of a small exaggeration.  Brandon rides with Randy and Kate each day, and they drop him at the high school. Brandon said he had to be at school at 7:45 to meet with a teacher to take a test. All went as planned, until Kate texted me that after they dropped Brandon off, Randy went to the maintenance department (i.e. bus barn)  Well, he made it to the party...and of course his phone rings. Randy is always on call, and will always answer.  It's what he does.

Taking a call during the party!

 Randy has taught at least two generations of students. Some students from those early years are now colleagues.  Last year his assistant principal, Phil Wood, was a former student and soccer player.

Dana Yeargen and Shannon Cooper, former students.

On a side note, Dana was my piano student throughout middle and high school. I watched her grow up into the wonderful teacher/mom/wife that she has become.  Kate has her in English Language Arts this year.  Last year, when Alyssa was student teaching at Elm Street she had Dana's son, Davis in her class.  It's the circle of life!!

Jason Self, another former student who teaches at RMS

We enjoyed breakfast and then there was a cake for all to enjoy.  Aaron, Carrie, Kate and I were all able to attend Randy's big day. Alyssa was in her classroom in Mississippi, and probably thinking that she is a teacher because of her Dad! There were definitely some tears, as RMS has been a huge part of our family's life.

Randy and Katie Cumming, RMS counselor.

Kate will finish 8th grade without her Dad teaching in a classroom, but he will still take her to school each day. His dream job would be athletic director at RMS on a part-time basis.  Stay tuned for details!
He will continue to drive buses for the athletic teams, and help out....it's in his system.

Randy never backed down when it came to sharing his faith with the kids.  One of his favorite sayings was "you have a 100% chance of dying".  This often opened a door for him to share about Christ. He definitely showed the love of Christ as he walked the halls each day.

32 years of going to school, teaching, coaching, listening to problems, helping students, driving buses, lunch duty, bus duty, professional learning, faculty meetings, it's time to graduate to something else. The possibilities are endless!