20246 Grim Road NE
Aurora, OR 97002
Bilingual (English/Spanish): (503) 678-7118
Bilingual (English/Spanish): (503) 678-7119
Fax: (503) 447-8682
Gwen Lang took time out to talk about her time at North Marion Middle School and what she plans to do in the future. Today she is greeting parents and helping them during the Spring conferences. In the coming weeks, she will be closing down the year and training her replacement.
When she first arrived in 1997 she performed the duties of an Instructional Assistant in the SPED department. In that position, she taught the students math and reading.
In 2003 she accepted the position of middle school secretary, and ever since she's handled registration, took care of attendance, greets parents and students, supports staff/admin, handles grades and so much more.
Lang plays a major role in the planning of special events such as the NMSD Annual Awards Banquet, Open House, field trips, and Outdoor School-so many things too numerous to mention.
She has worked with four superintendents and seven principals.
Two of the most challenging aspects, according to Mrs. Lang, are the “juggling of so many tasks at one time and the number of changes in technology over the years”.
She has met those challenges and has become a vital part of the running of the middle school.
The thing Lang liked the most is helping parents in finding solutions to registration needs, finding resources, and listening to their concerns and connecting them to those who can help them.
NMMS Principal Tami Badinger has said many times that Mrs. Lang is our anchor. She knows and shares her knowledge and guidance every day. She is extremely diligent and the experience she has gained over the years is such an asset to our North Marion Middle School family.
Lang's cohort Rosie Hudock shared the following:
“To say the least, Mrs. Lang has been an important and dependable co-worker for as long as we have been a part of the NMMS family. She's been there when we needed her and often when we didn't know we needed her. When I was going through a serious family health scare a few years ago she came up to me and offered me support and understanding; she was willing to give up some sick leave if I needed it just because her heart is big."
"This was not expected but I will always appreciate the unexpected act of kindness shown towards myself and my family.” Hudock added.
“I will always be thankful for the support she's given me when needed, her shoulder was always there when I needed to cry," said NMSD educator Tara Kramer-Kahle.
Mr. Jacobs agreed.
“In smaller school districts we all have to wear multiple hats. Gwen has taken on more than what most secretaries at other schools have to do such as helping with crafting student schedules or fixing them if there is an error or a need for a quick change," Jacobs said. "I’m sure Gwen gets tired of those emails that I send every trimester about specific schedules, but I never heard at any point that she wouldn’t do it or pawn it off on someone else."
"One of the best qualities I can ascribe to anyone is being dependable, and I knew that if I needed something done I could always count on Gwen to get it done," Jacobs continued. "This school will look and feel a lot different next year and Gwen will be a big reason for that empty void when someone who has been such a bedrock to this school, district, and community retires."
Jacobs stressed that he wishes Lang the best in her "well-deserved retirement," and expects that she and her husband, Bob, will have a bounty of traveling opportunities before them.”
Lang managed the Aurora Colony store and provided childcare in her home when her children were young. All of her children attended North Marion. Lang has one daughter, Amanda, and two sons, Nathan, and Tony.
She has four grandchildren and two on the way as her daughter and daughter-in-law are due in September.
Lang met her husband, Bob, in 2003 and they have been married for 11 years.
“We just bought a toy hauler for our Harleys and plan to travel,” Lang said. "We will be very busy with our grandchildren too."
“My mom and I love to shop together and go out to lunch,” she added. "I just can’t wait to spend more time with my family."
Lang did share one misgiving.
“I will miss greeting kids and their smiles every day," she said.
Educators at North Marion Middle School stressed that they will miss her as well.
District | 20256 Grim Road NE, Aurora, Oregon 97002 (503) 678‑7100
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