Students Conquer Challenge on Teacher�s Last Day

TYLER — What do you give someone as a retirement gift after 40 years in the classroom? Tom Rhodes, fourth grade teacher at Tyler’s Douglas Elementary, knew exactly what he wanted as a retirement gift from his students. Rhodes challenged his students to read six million words. The students ended up reading 6,079,472 words. �They had individual goals and I give them all of the credit,� Rhodes said. �These are the most awesome readers I have ever had! And I had the good fortune to be their teacher. There is nothing in life they cannot accomplish. I couldn�t be happier. They busted the goal!�

Friday was Rhodes�s last day with Tyler ISD. He has been with the school district for 35 of his 40 years in education as a teacher at Camp Tyler, Hogg Middle School and Douglas Elementary. Rhodes is looking forward to his retirement, especially spending a lot of time with his young grandson and reading to him.