About OES
  January 6, 2012      Vol. 6, No. 15  
 
We Miss You, Mrs. Rawley
                 
Students returning to school this week were happy to see their friends but saddened by the loss of Third Grade teacher Jeannie Rawley, who died unexpectedly on New Year's Eve. Mrs. Rawley had been at OES for 12 years and had taught many students in the 4th through 12th grades as well as her current third-graders. She also had taught yoga to students and colleagues and was known as a knitter, dragon boat paddler, cyclist, and friend. She shared fruit and lavender that she grew on her Hood River-area farm, and she often brought her dog, Bodie, with her to school. Students remembered her this week in talks with chaplains and counselors, and with art work. Her life was celebrated in a Lower School chapel this afternoon. A memorial service for Jeannie will be held at 11 a.m. January 28 on the OES campus.  
Jeannie Rawley, 1957-2011
 
         



  A Message From Mo Copeland

Dear Friends,

This has been a long week. Often in times of deepest loss, the true sense of a community comes out—and this has been no exception. The response of the community to the sudden and unexpected death of Jeannie Rawley has been unbelievable: faculty and staff have supported and cared for children, family and colleagues; parents have in turn cared for the faculty and their needs; the other divisions have shown their support—teachers and students—in response to this significant event.

The many moments to gather and share—so much a part of our Episcopal heritage and identity—have been powerful and meaningful. Throughout the week it has become evident what a special place in people's hearts Jeannie held: beloved by her students for her energy and enthusiasm; appreciated by parents for the way she lived life—a mentor and role model—as well as her care of their children and support of them as parents; loved by her colleagues for her full embrace of life and her dedication to her students and her work.

For many of us, this is the beginning of a long process. The service at the end of the month will be another touchstone along the way; as will our ongoing work with the family to determine how best to honor Jeannie's life and contribution to the school over so many years.

I cannot thank the chaplains, support staff, and Lower School Head David Lowell enough for their remarkable gift of time and attention this week—for their thoughtfulness, presence, care, and love that have allowed us to move forward even as we grieve.

I ask you all to please take care of yourselves during this time. There are an abundance of resources available to you. I hope you find a small measure of rest and peace over the course of the weekend.

Again, my respect and thanks for your thoughtfulness, care, and commitment in the midst of such a tough time. Our community is truly magical—you make it so.
         

Jeannie's husband, Dan, brought Jeannie's dog, Bodie, to the classroom to visit with the children on Friday.
 
Jeannie's daughter Sarah read the children a book about a sled dog who looks a lot like Bodie.