Reflections on Mrs. Jones…
I taught with Marcia Jones for three years, 1969-1972, my first teaching job. After 40 more years of teaching, I am compelled to say that I have not since met a colleague who is more supportive and positive. Nor have I met another teacher who has demonstrated such authentic love and encouragement for the students under her watchful and appreciative eye. I have a sense of continuing gratitude for the wonderful beginning I had with her at BCD in those first years after college. If I can figure out how to get there, I would like to attend this event to tell her that in person!
-Charles Seyffer
mrs. jones taught me when i was in 6th grade. she was the sweetest woman ever. she loved to spend time talking about good things that happened since she last saw you and would smile whenever you entered the room. she tried her best to make latin fun, which isn’t easy. mrs. jones would give us chocolate if we got a question right and smiley faces on our tests if we did well. she knew we were learning a difficult language and didn’t make anyone feel dumb for not knowing how to conjugate the accusative form of puer. it’s puerum by the way. she just wasn’t worried that we knew everything our first year, she just thought that if we were enjoying learning, we were going to retain it better. i agree with her fully.
-Mary Grace McNulty
Marcia always had such positive things to say about her students during those grade-level meetings. The meetings were long, and it seemed easiest sometimes just to say what needed to be said, which were usually concerns and criticisms. Marcia’s gentle insistence that she would voice the strengths of the students and not just her concerns was something I always appreciated. This, in addition to her wit, made her an asset at even the most painfully long meeting!
-Liz Goodman
Marcia Jones was one of my best teachers ever. She has also been a good friend, to me and to my family, through the years. I think what I like best about Marcia is her sense of humor and her laugh. Her laugh has a unique and genuine quality, as if she is both startled and enjoying the moment. Thank you, Marcia ~ for all the good times, and all the laughter.
-Mary Jean Weston
During passing time, I said something nasty to a classmate in an effort to sound cool. Mrs. Jones heard me and gently reprimanded me. Something simple like, “Heeey, don’t say that.” I snidely said “Okay!” and walked away in an effort to look cool.
Something about upsetting Mrs. Jones specifically, however, hit me hard. For a moment, I didn’t want to say anything nasty ever again. Though that moment has passed, I can state with confidence that anything nasty I might say would be tasteful and expressive – not in an effort to appear cool – and would summon Mrs. Jones in my head, gently reprimanding me.
Mrs. Jones’ timely threats to “dropkick us over Kripalu” terrified us, tickled us, but mostly lightened the mood in the classroom enough to enjoy our learning experience. I wish I’d had more classes with her.
-Tony Belanger ‘98
Mrs. Jones:
I transferred to BCD from the Steiner School in 5th grade in 1982. Socially, the transition was rocky to say the least. Mrs. Jones must have noticed, because when Rebecca (now Indigo) Vining joined our class the next year from Mt. Everett , Mrs. Jones turned to me.
We met in her office. I was very nervous that somehow I had done something wrong which mystified me because I was such a goody goody. However, Mrs. Jones spoke about Indigo and noted that she was having a rough transition like I had had the previous year. Then she asked if I would look out for Indigo.
I was surprised and honored that Mrs. Jones entrusted me with this task, but also a bit annoyed at the responsibility. I was also slightly scared of Indigo. I did reach out to her and it took time to build trust, but eventually we grew to be the best of friends. To this day, even though she lives in New Zealand, we maintain a strong connection.
I am grateful Mrs. Jones, that you helped foster not only one of my dearest lifelong friendships, but also lit the way for me develop one of the values I hold dearest in life: compassion.
Thank you and congratulations on this honor! Enjoy every minute of it!!
Much Love,
Rachel Schroeder ‘87