Dr. Bechtel Traditional Cache
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(regular)
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This cache is named after the principal that resided in the school close by. He was Mr. Bechtel when I first met him in 1994 and he had a lofty goal of learning all the students’ names by the end of the school year. I bet if he met them on the street today he would still know their names!
This cache is named after the principal that resided in the school close by. He was Mr. Bechtel when I first met him in 1994 and he had a lofty goal of learning all the students’ names by the end of the school year. I bet if he met them on the street today he would still know their names! I was so shocked as 3 of my children attended this school and not only did he learn the new child's name but remember the others that had passed through the halls of the school as well! I know that if Dr. Bechtel was still at the school and I ran in to him as often did while out walking my dog, he would love the idea of geocaching. So Dr. Bechtel if you are out there and happen across this area, "this cache is for you"!
This is large enough for trade items, not sure if my caching partner remember to put a pen in the hide, so you might want to bring one just incase! There is a gold coin for FTF. Please don't park in the school lot during school hours, you can reach this area from many different ways. Watch out for muggles as there can be quite a few in the area. For now I am not going to give any hints, I think it should be farily easy to find.
Here is a little history about Dr. Bechtel from his retirement
A Bittersweet Goodbye
The last day of school in June marked the end of an era at Swift Creek Elementary School as students, parents, alumni, faculty and a host of community members said goodbye to beloved Principal Donald Bechtel, Ed.D.
Dr. Bechtel served as the principal of SCES for 17 years. He came to the Chesterfield County Public Schools system in 1976, working at Robious, Bon Air and A.M. Davis Elementary schools before arriving at SCES in 1994.
The SCES PTA held a retirement party for Bechtel on June 2 at SCES. Hundreds of people attended, including Chesterfield County Public Schools Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome, Ed.D.
The PTA presented Dr. Bechtel with a Rose of Sharon plant and a “career book” that included thoughts, memories and photos from his time at SCES.
CCPS School Board Chair Dianne Pettitt, and Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors Chair Art Warren presented Bechtel with an official resolution from Chesterfield County commending his 35 years of service.
Bechtel said when he came to CCPS in 1976 he thought, “This is a school system where I can find a career. I was given a chance and I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.” Bechtel told parents that he gives them an A+ for their work and thanked them, adding that it was his sincere honor to work with the students of SCES.
Attendees were then treated to a mock newscast filmed by the Skretvedt family with the on-air talents of fourth-grade teachers Sean Sthreshley and Cindy Slate. In the newscast, students were asked a variety of questions about Bechtel’s retirement. Their answers were often entertaining and provided examples of why Bechtel was such a special influence in the lives of Gator students.
When asked, “What do you like most about Dr. Bechtel?,” students’ responses included “he compliments everybody if they have a good a haircut or got new glasses,” and “I like the way that he knows everybody’s name in the whole entire school.” When asked “What do you think he’ll do now that he’s retired?” responses varied from, “he can go on vacation, like to Hawaii,” to “he might miss us and he might watch this video a lot.” Others suggested that Bechtel do the news, be a weatherman, watch television, read books or play golf.
Associate Principal Peggy Innes will serve as SCES principal for the 2011-2012 school year. Students were asked, “What is the one thing Dr. Bechtel should make sure to teach Mrs. Innes before he leaves?” Students suggested that Bechtel should teach Innes how to be a good principal, to give people compliments, to know kids’ names, and her own responsibilities.
Throughout the years, students showed a universal love and respect for Bechtel, an educator who strived to inspire excellence in every student at SCES. He influenced thousands of students during his time at SCES; their future successes are his legacy.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ubyyl gerr. Ybbx hc.