BOUNTIFUL—Not many people can say they’ve been working at the same school for 100 years, but Linda Pearson, Rosa Knight and Vera (Jeannie) Jones’ combined time at Bountiful Elementary amounts to 100 years. Now that’s something to talk about. The three women have worked in a variety of positions over the years and each one says they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

“I love the school,” said Knight. “I raised my kids here. My son is autistic and was in special education. I had a good experience with all of my kids. I have an affection for this school. I enjoy working here.”

Knight started at the school in 1998 as an office assistant. “My primary role was as a ground duty for recess,” she said. “But it soon grew into an interpreter for the few hispanic students in the school. I always enjoyed interacting with the kids and became someone they could trust and for some I was the only person that they could talk to.”

When Washington Elementary closed, Bountiful saw a big influx of hispanic immigrant families, said Knight. “I’m still the only Spanish speaking staff member in the school and suddenly I was asked daily to translate for the non English speaking students and their parents.”

The parents are very grateful, she said. “They are very sweet and kind. I love the children too. The kids are close to my heart. When I go out to recess they give me hugs. That keeps me going in the cold, heat and rain. The kids smile and say ‘Rosie I love you.’”

Jones has been at Bountiful Elementary for 30 years. “I’ve always done reading in one capacity or another,” she said. “For the last two years I’ve been part of the SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Sight words). I help plan seven lessons a day with five students in each group.”

There have been many different reading programs in 30 years, said Jones. “I believe this will stick around.”

Jones lived in Bountiful for 23 years before moving to Syracuse. “The last six years I’ve lived in Syracuse but I didn’t want to switch to a school closer to my home. I love my friends here. It’s worth it to me to make the drive.”

“I was blessed the day I walked into the school and applied for a job,” said Pearson. “I was going to retire last year but when I got there I couldn’t do it.”

Pearson started out as a volunteer in 1978. “I ended up teaching the District Core Curriculum Music program and a folk music program every week and to every class in the school. I would drag my baby and my guitar into school every week.”

In 1980 Pearson said she started bringing two babies into school. “I actually volunteered more hours than I now get paid for. In 1988 the principal asked me to work for her as a secretary. My youngest child was starting the second grade so the timing was perfect.”

Pearson wanted to work part time so she job shared. When she could no longer job share, she became an office assistant and attendance secretary. 

“I love it,” she said. “I love the kids. I have always felt strongly that it is my job to help teachers so they can teach. I want kids to know they are loved even when they’re naughty and for the parents to know their kids are safe.”

Pearson’s kids and grandkids have gone to Bountiful Elementary, she said. It’s always so fun to see people who remember me. Kids who have attended here and now their kids are here. I get to teach the next generation.”

“Linda is iconic at our school,” said Bountiful Elementary Principal Kristen McDonough. “She is the first person you see when you walk through the door. She sets the tone for our office. She’s pretty special.”

McDonough said Knight is the lifeline for the Spanish speaking students. “Kids come to her to talk to her. She gets texts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from parents. They text her because they know she understands them. She invites the families into her home for dinner so they can meet each other. She’s incredible.”

Jeanie could have taken a job that’s closer, she said. “Instead she drives here every day. She’s a gentle soul and amazing with the kids. She really cares.” 

McDonough said she adores them individually and collectively. “They’re amazing. I’m lucky to have them.”