Mildred Fischer Day at Prescott Early Childhood Center

very teacher, usually early in one's career, asks the proverbial question, "Am I making a positive difference in these kids' lives?" Most have no doubt that they do. Some who do have doubts eventually lose them. Usually it's that time when a former student, all grown up and prosperous, returns for a visit, or, better yet, with his or her own child in tow, and thanks you for whatever you said, or did, or didn't do that "changed everything in my life."

Mildred Fischer changed many people's lives. She was a teacher at Prescott School for many years (1960-77). She actually started with the district in 1959 at the old Center Grove School. She raised a fine family of four children, and countless other kids, most special education students, who belonged to other families. She taught them practically everything they needed to know to survive, from reading and spelling to cooking and sewing skills (those were the days). Every day, Mildred knew she was making a difference, and now, after her death, her spirit has returned to Prescott to make a difference in today's students' lives.

The stories of her love and kindness could easily fill a book, but on this day, May 10, 2002, they filled the little gymnasium at Prescott School as her family and friends gathered with today's Prescott students and teachers to remember Mildred. Of course most in the room hadn't attended Prescott nor were even born yet when Mildred walked the hallways (she retired in 1977). Mildred, after a long and productive life in education and eventual retirement, died last year. But she didn't forget Prescott.

Three of Mildred's grown children, Gary (Professor of Engineering at the University of Iowa), Anita (a pre-school teacher), and Theona (retired nurse and now a music enthusiast), returned to Dubuque to leave a legacy, a financial gift to Prescott School in the name of her mother. The money will be used as a trust, the interest from which will help fund technology and instructional materials.

The six minute video clip we've included with this story tells more than words could ever describe as Mildred's grown children attend a Prescott "Dolphin Gathering," a frequent event at the school that is a gathering of all students and teachers in the gym for special ceremonies, often entertaining lessons in good citizenship and how to treat others, and to meet special guests. It was an opportunity to meet Prescott students and teachers, visit their mother's old classroom, and receive warm gratitude from everyone for their family's gift.