REDLANDS >> The education community is mourning one of its own after the passing of Barbara Phelps.
The longtime educator, who served more than 20 years on the Redlands Unified School District’s Board of Education, died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 13, her family said.
She was 93.
In addition to her time teaching local students, Phelps was a fierce advocate for student needs. She established the first Head Start program in the district and an early development center at Redlands East Valley High school, which is named after her.
“Barbara’s legacy will live on in the district for many years as she was not only a teacher, principal, district office administrator and board member, but a champion and advocate for students and anything to do with childcare, after-school care and parent involvement in early childhood,” said district superintendent Lori Rhodes. “She tirelessly served as a volunteer on numerous organizations and received many honors and recognitions for her service to her community. The impact Barbara has had on our district will have an everlasting effect on students, families and staff.”
Upon entering the career in education, Phelps was a stay-at-home mom who cared for her three children-Julie, Lynn and the late Susan.
A knock on the door changed that path when a former district official asked Phelps to get hands-on teaching experience in the classroom while obtaining her degree and credentials, said Lynn Phelps of Redlands.
“As I remember it being told to me, Bob Campbell showed up at the door one day and said, ‘We need teachers so badly that we’ll pay you to be in the classroom while you get your degree.’ And that’s what she did. Life was a lot simpler then,” Lynn Phelps said.
The knock led to a 60-year career in the district where she held “every position possible,” said her family.
Her dedication to area students and her hard work did not go unnoticed.
In 2006, the San Bernardino County Board of Education named its recently built county high school in Redlands in honor of Phelps.
Barbara Phelps County High school opened that June and served nearly 100 students through its Community Day School, independent studies, Early Start and severely/profoundly handicapped student programs.
A dedication ceremony was held that October and Phelps was in attendance.
She received a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters when she approached a podium to address the school’s multipurpose room.
“I’m in awe over this,” she said. “I can’t believe this honor, but I accept it on behalf of the community and our children-our future leaders.
“Redlands Unified School District is a part of me. I’m not a part of it, it’s a part of me. I just can’t shake it. I’m going on 86 and it’s such a pleasure to be part of the team,” she continued. “Everybody’s on the same page, that everything that’s done is for the children. I’m pleased that people allow me to be active in the schools. I enjoy the contact I have with the community and will still supervise student teachers in Redlands. My work is a labor of love for me. This is very special. You don’t know how much this has meant to me. Thank you for the privilege.”
Phelps was born on Jan. 13, 1921 in El Paso, Texas, to Lloyd and Isabel Rowell.
The family later came to Redlands where Phelps was enrolled in local schools, including Redlands High School, where she became a member of the class of 1939. She obtained a degree in sociology from the University of Redlands. She didn’t care much for the subject, Lynn Phelps said, so she later obtained two master’s degrees in the field of education.
She married her high school sweetheart, Marshall Phelps, and raised her children. Her daughter Susan preceded her in death 15 years ago. She was also a devoted grandmother to Shirl Phelps and Max and Elizabeth Gordon, and loved to fish.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 100 Cajon St. A reception is to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the Redlands/Yucaipa Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, Division 25. Donations can be mailed to 31550 Highview Drive, Redlands 92373 in care of Helen Waitz.
Redlands Daily Facts 21 Nov 2014
The longtime educator, who served more than 20 years on the Redlands Unified School District’s Board of Education, died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 13, her family said.
She was 93.
In addition to her time teaching local students, Phelps was a fierce advocate for student needs. She established the first Head Start program in the district and an early development center at Redlands East Valley High school, which is named after her.
“Barbara’s legacy will live on in the district for many years as she was not only a teacher, principal, district office administrator and board member, but a champion and advocate for students and anything to do with childcare, after-school care and parent involvement in early childhood,” said district superintendent Lori Rhodes. “She tirelessly served as a volunteer on numerous organizations and received many honors and recognitions for her service to her community. The impact Barbara has had on our district will have an everlasting effect on students, families and staff.”
Upon entering the career in education, Phelps was a stay-at-home mom who cared for her three children-Julie, Lynn and the late Susan.
A knock on the door changed that path when a former district official asked Phelps to get hands-on teaching experience in the classroom while obtaining her degree and credentials, said Lynn Phelps of Redlands.
“As I remember it being told to me, Bob Campbell showed up at the door one day and said, ‘We need teachers so badly that we’ll pay you to be in the classroom while you get your degree.’ And that’s what she did. Life was a lot simpler then,” Lynn Phelps said.
The knock led to a 60-year career in the district where she held “every position possible,” said her family.
Her dedication to area students and her hard work did not go unnoticed.
In 2006, the San Bernardino County Board of Education named its recently built county high school in Redlands in honor of Phelps.
Barbara Phelps County High school opened that June and served nearly 100 students through its Community Day School, independent studies, Early Start and severely/profoundly handicapped student programs.
A dedication ceremony was held that October and Phelps was in attendance.
She received a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters when she approached a podium to address the school’s multipurpose room.
“I’m in awe over this,” she said. “I can’t believe this honor, but I accept it on behalf of the community and our children-our future leaders.
“Redlands Unified School District is a part of me. I’m not a part of it, it’s a part of me. I just can’t shake it. I’m going on 86 and it’s such a pleasure to be part of the team,” she continued. “Everybody’s on the same page, that everything that’s done is for the children. I’m pleased that people allow me to be active in the schools. I enjoy the contact I have with the community and will still supervise student teachers in Redlands. My work is a labor of love for me. This is very special. You don’t know how much this has meant to me. Thank you for the privilege.”
Phelps was born on Jan. 13, 1921 in El Paso, Texas, to Lloyd and Isabel Rowell.
The family later came to Redlands where Phelps was enrolled in local schools, including Redlands High School, where she became a member of the class of 1939. She obtained a degree in sociology from the University of Redlands. She didn’t care much for the subject, Lynn Phelps said, so she later obtained two master’s degrees in the field of education.
She married her high school sweetheart, Marshall Phelps, and raised her children. Her daughter Susan preceded her in death 15 years ago. She was also a devoted grandmother to Shirl Phelps and Max and Elizabeth Gordon, and loved to fish.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 100 Cajon St. A reception is to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the Redlands/Yucaipa Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, Division 25. Donations can be mailed to 31550 Highview Drive, Redlands 92373 in care of Helen Waitz.
Redlands Daily Facts 21 Nov 2014
REDLANDS >> The education community is mourning one of its own after the passing of Barbara Phelps.
The longtime educator, who served more than 20 years on the Redlands Unified School District’s Board of Education, died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 13, her family said.
She was 93.
In addition to her time teaching local students, Phelps was a fierce advocate for student needs. She established the first Head Start program in the district and an early development center at Redlands East Valley High school, which is named after her.
“Barbara’s legacy will live on in the district for many years as she was not only a teacher, principal, district office administrator and board member, but a champion and advocate for students and anything to do with childcare, after-school care and parent involvement in early childhood,” said district superintendent Lori Rhodes. “She tirelessly served as a volunteer on numerous organizations and received many honors and recognitions for her service to her community. The impact Barbara has had on our district will have an everlasting effect on students, families and staff.”
Upon entering the career in education, Phelps was a stay-at-home mom who cared for her three children-Julie, Lynn and the late Susan.
A knock on the door changed that path when a former district official asked Phelps to get hands-on teaching experience in the classroom while obtaining her degree and credentials, said Lynn Phelps of Redlands.
“As I remember it being told to me, Bob Campbell showed up at the door one day and said, ‘We need teachers so badly that we’ll pay you to be in the classroom while you get your degree.’ And that’s what she did. Life was a lot simpler then,” Lynn Phelps said.
The knock led to a 60-year career in the district where she held “every position possible,” said her family.
Her dedication to area students and her hard work did not go unnoticed.
In 2006, the San Bernardino County Board of Education named its recently built county high school in Redlands in honor of Phelps.
Barbara Phelps County High school opened that June and served nearly 100 students through its Community Day School, independent studies, Early Start and severely/profoundly handicapped student programs.
A dedication ceremony was held that October and Phelps was in attendance.
She received a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters when she approached a podium to address the school’s multipurpose room.
“I’m in awe over this,” she said. “I can’t believe this honor, but I accept it on behalf of the community and our children-our future leaders.
“Redlands Unified School District is a part of me. I’m not a part of it, it’s a part of me. I just can’t shake it. I’m going on 86 and it’s such a pleasure to be part of the team,” she continued. “Everybody’s on the same page, that everything that’s done is for the children. I’m pleased that people allow me to be active in the schools. I enjoy the contact I have with the community and will still supervise student teachers in Redlands. My work is a labor of love for me. This is very special. You don’t know how much this has meant to me. Thank you for the privilege.”
Phelps was born on Jan. 13, 1921 in El Paso, Texas, to Lloyd and Isabel Rowell.
The family later came to Redlands where Phelps was enrolled in local schools, including Redlands High School, where she became a member of the class of 1939. She obtained a degree in sociology from the University of Redlands. She didn’t care much for the subject, Lynn Phelps said, so she later obtained two master’s degrees in the field of education.
She married her high school sweetheart, Marshall Phelps, and raised her children. Her daughter Susan preceded her in death 15 years ago. She was also a devoted grandmother to Shirl Phelps and Max and Elizabeth Gordon, and loved to fish.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 100 Cajon St. A reception is to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the Redlands/Yucaipa Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, Division 25. Donations can be mailed to 31550 Highview Drive, Redlands 92373 in care of Helen Waitz.
Redlands Daily Facts 21 Nov 2014
The longtime educator, who served more than 20 years on the Redlands Unified School District’s Board of Education, died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 13, her family said.
She was 93.
In addition to her time teaching local students, Phelps was a fierce advocate for student needs. She established the first Head Start program in the district and an early development center at Redlands East Valley High school, which is named after her.
“Barbara’s legacy will live on in the district for many years as she was not only a teacher, principal, district office administrator and board member, but a champion and advocate for students and anything to do with childcare, after-school care and parent involvement in early childhood,” said district superintendent Lori Rhodes. “She tirelessly served as a volunteer on numerous organizations and received many honors and recognitions for her service to her community. The impact Barbara has had on our district will have an everlasting effect on students, families and staff.”
Upon entering the career in education, Phelps was a stay-at-home mom who cared for her three children-Julie, Lynn and the late Susan.
A knock on the door changed that path when a former district official asked Phelps to get hands-on teaching experience in the classroom while obtaining her degree and credentials, said Lynn Phelps of Redlands.
“As I remember it being told to me, Bob Campbell showed up at the door one day and said, ‘We need teachers so badly that we’ll pay you to be in the classroom while you get your degree.’ And that’s what she did. Life was a lot simpler then,” Lynn Phelps said.
The knock led to a 60-year career in the district where she held “every position possible,” said her family.
Her dedication to area students and her hard work did not go unnoticed.
In 2006, the San Bernardino County Board of Education named its recently built county high school in Redlands in honor of Phelps.
Barbara Phelps County High school opened that June and served nearly 100 students through its Community Day School, independent studies, Early Start and severely/profoundly handicapped student programs.
A dedication ceremony was held that October and Phelps was in attendance.
She received a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters when she approached a podium to address the school’s multipurpose room.
“I’m in awe over this,” she said. “I can’t believe this honor, but I accept it on behalf of the community and our children-our future leaders.
“Redlands Unified School District is a part of me. I’m not a part of it, it’s a part of me. I just can’t shake it. I’m going on 86 and it’s such a pleasure to be part of the team,” she continued. “Everybody’s on the same page, that everything that’s done is for the children. I’m pleased that people allow me to be active in the schools. I enjoy the contact I have with the community and will still supervise student teachers in Redlands. My work is a labor of love for me. This is very special. You don’t know how much this has meant to me. Thank you for the privilege.”
Phelps was born on Jan. 13, 1921 in El Paso, Texas, to Lloyd and Isabel Rowell.
The family later came to Redlands where Phelps was enrolled in local schools, including Redlands High School, where she became a member of the class of 1939. She obtained a degree in sociology from the University of Redlands. She didn’t care much for the subject, Lynn Phelps said, so she later obtained two master’s degrees in the field of education.
She married her high school sweetheart, Marshall Phelps, and raised her children. Her daughter Susan preceded her in death 15 years ago. She was also a devoted grandmother to Shirl Phelps and Max and Elizabeth Gordon, and loved to fish.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 28 at First Presbyterian Church, 100 Cajon St. A reception is to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the Redlands/Yucaipa Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, Division 25. Donations can be mailed to 31550 Highview Drive, Redlands 92373 in care of Helen Waitz.
Redlands Daily Facts 21 Nov 2014
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