Dec. 23, 1950 - Oct. 7, 2006
For over 25 years, Mrs. Neben taught at Sandhills Public Schools, mainly at Brewster Elementary. For the Class of 1995, she will be remembered as our Kindergarten, first and second grade teacher. She also filled the special education department post.
She kept the classroom lively, with music time before our lunch hour. She would strum on her wooden guitar while the kids would dance and sing to folk songs like "Miss Mary Mac", and "10 Little Indians".
With a deep adoration for children, Mrs. Neben had a special knack to make every child feel special in her classroom. It was not uncommon to find one of her students sitting on her lap while she lovingly held them - perhaps she could see that child's need for a little extra attention.
Every spring, Mrs. Neben would host a "field day" at her home during a school day. She would let the kindergarten, first and second grade classes run loose in her giant front yard while she baked fresh pizza for our lunch.
She was the teacher who introduced the Class of 1995 to "The Letter People", touch-dots for addition (and surely we're STILL guilty of using touch-dots), and how to be genuinely kind to those less fortunate than us.
If ever can we recall a time when Mrs. Neben lost her patience with a student. Her calm and collective spirit helped an unlimited number of students, some who can proudly call her their "Most Influential Elementary Teacher".
May she rest in peace...
