February 2008

Dear Former Indian Hills Junior High Student:

When I began teaching at Indian Hills in 1978, I never imagined the day that I would be writing this letter.  In these 30 years, it has been an honor and a pleasure to teach in the West Des Moines Community School District – and to enjoy teaching all of you.  (I have always said that it is the great students of Indian Hills who make teachers look so good!)

Although I know that I will miss the staff and students at Indian Hills – and the many colleagues that I have worked with across the West Des Moines Community School District in my position as Site Coordinator of the Beginning Teacher/Mentor Program -  I am looking forward to my retirement years ahead.  I know that I am leaving behind a very fine Drama program.  The class and the extra-curricular activities – lighting crew, Thespians, mimes, school play, and Variety Show - make for vibrant year-round theatre opportunities for the students at Indian Hills. 

I am writing this letter to let you know that with my retirement at the end of this school year, the auditorium seat replacement/auditorium renovation initiative has become my passion.  Although we have new lighting and sound in the auditorium, the original seats and carpeting remain.  Therefore, a campaign to replace the seats and update carpet, curtains, and the back acoustical-carpeted wall has been put into place. 

I am asking you to consider contributing to this project, called “Not a Bad Seat in the House”.  For $200 you can purchase a seat and personalize it with your name, company logo, or any other information you desire.  As you know, new auditorium seats will continue to benefit both the students and the community in the many years to come.  Visit the website www.notabadseatinthehouse.com to find out more – and to make a secure, 100% deductible credit card donation!

It is my sincere hope that your time at Indian Hills was memorable  - and that the years since have been happy and successful for you, both personally and professionally.  By replacing and customizing a commemorative plaque on a sponsored seat in the auditorium, you will honor both Indian Hills and yourself – and create a lasting legacy!  (My legacies of teaching – you, my former students – will help make certain that the Drama program at Indian Hills will continue to thrive for decades to come.)

Best wishes, and don’t forget to visit me this spring if you’re in the neighborhood of Indian Hills!  Thank you for providing me with memories that will last a lifetime!

Mary Brooks, Drama Teacher
Indian Hills Junior High
9401 Indian Hills Junior High
Clive, IA  50325