Vicky Juliano - Retirement

My 37-year career with Carbon School District began at Castle Heights Elementary in 1984 working under my own elementary principal, John B. Angotti. I taught 25 years at Castle Heights, most of those years in Second Grade except for a couple of years in First & Third Grade. Castle Heights was my second home, the school my own children attended and where I learned so much from my life-long friends and colleagues. I also had the privilege of working under Fern Wilkerson and Bill Bate who I admired and respected, as well as our staff which Paul Dupin referred to as “Mediterranean Elementary”. 

In 1999, I took over the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser at CHE which continued for the next 10 years throughout the district. My passion for this organization stems from family and friends being affected by cardiovascular disease. All K-6 students in our district participated which instilled a love for jump rope skills, exercise, and heart health. 

As a teacher your job is to teach the Core Standards, so your students are prepared for the next year. But my philosophy has always been to make sure my students knew I cared for them, not just teaching skills, but values and how I made my students feel. Compassion and caring for others contributed to my Third Grade class at Castle Heights making bookmarks, sending books and cards to students at PS 234 in NYC after 9/11. Which in turn, sparked a district fundraiser for their school. I truly believe our Carbon County children will never forget helping their new friends during this historical time as we received letters, videos and cards from them. 

One of the most memorable experiences of my career centered around Olympic Education and the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. Being involved in Olympic Education for five years in the classroom allowed me to have the privilege of chaperoning Carbon District students to Olympic events and to the Closing Ceremonies! That experience will forever be a proud moment in my career! 

In 2007, I began teaching PE part-time at Sally Mauro, then a seven-year full-time PE position at Creekview and Bruin Point Elementary. I had the opportunity to instruct Mont Harmon Middle School students for three years in PE. Finally, four years ago I transferred to Creekview. I thank the amazing teachers and staff who welcomed and embraced me in Kindergarten. 

 These past two years I’ve been amazed at the perseverance and determination of my students, families, staff, PTA, and community during the Covid-19 pandemic. To lead us through these trying times, there could not have been a kinder, more considerate principal to work under than Keith Palmer. Not only did I teach him in Second Grade at Castle Heights but he was my colleague at MHMS and Keith made sure he let ALL my students know how old I was since I was “hIs” teacher. That is the best part of teaching in a small community being given the privilege of teaching the children of your former students or teaching with your former students, both I have enjoyed tremendously! I look forward to spending time with my family and loved ones and hope to return to the school as a guest teacher to see the children!