The Dalles High School teachers retire

The curriculum is also more difficult.

“I think the biggest change is what we’re expecting our kids to know,” Skov said. “The level of math that I have to teach and I expect the kids to know, I don’t remember learning that stuff until I was in college. There’s more and more information out there and we keep expecting more and more out of them.”

Skov, who had two daughters before she went to college, graduated from Oregon State. Her first major was music. Skov then thought she would become a home economics teacher but had to take an algebra class and found out she loved math.

“I didn’t love math in high school,” Skov said. “I think that’s what made me a good math teacher because it wasn’t easy for me in high school and for some reason it just clicked when I was a little older.”

Skov, who also taught at Chenowith Middle for six years before coming to her Alma mater, will miss seeing the kids on a regular basis.

“I loved teaching. I loved it. And I’m glad that I’m leaving while I still love it,” Skov said. “It really has been fun. I wouldn’t trade it now for anything. You look back and it’s an amazing career and I’ve been blessed to be in the same spot and get to share that will all those kids.”

Froemming graduated from the University of Alabama and taught for four years in Sarasota, Fla., before moving to Oregon in 1982. She taught at South Wasco in Maupin for 18 years before joining The Dalles faculty as a chemistry and physics teacher 13 years ago.

Froemming is known for her memorable demonstrations in the classroom, particularly one filled with bubbles and explosions around Halloween.

She started the robotics team at the high school and although she will no longer be the head coach, She plans to continue to help out and attend tournaments.

“It’s hard to let go, with the kids, it really is,” Froemming said. “And they come back and they say they’ve enjoyed my classes and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

O’Halloran played baseball and got his teaching license in physical education from Portland State University in 1978. He began teaching special education, physical education, health and weight training at Wahtonka High School in 1987. O’Halloran also coached football, wrestling and baseball.

When the school districts combined in 2004, O’Halloran continued to teach and coach at the freshman campus. When it closed, he was transferred to TDHS.

O’Halloran, who has also coached basketball at St. Mary’s and American Legion baseball in the summer with the Fort Dalles Hustler’s, will miss working with kids and witnessing their progress both in the classroom and on the athletic field.

“Seeing a kid that has struggled and had to put out a tremendous effort while others might have given up just to get a “first,” like the first time she realizes she can solve that math problem without my help or the first time he gets a test back and realizes all that studying and preparation paid off or the first time he runs through first base for his first hit of the season, that’s what I’ll miss the most,” O’Halloran said. “That grin on their face is priceless. It’s a combination of joy and excitement, mixed with relief and astonishment. It’s the beginning twinkling of a kid discovering a new-found confidence within themselves.”

O’Halloran, Froemming and Skov all have retirement plans.

O’Halloran wants to play golf, fish, play music, watch baseball and do home repairs. He’d also like to travel with his wife and spend time with their three kids and new granddaughter.

Froemming, who lives in Tygh Valley, plans to volunteer at South Wasco and keep tabs on The Dalles robotics team.

Retirement will give Skov more time to spend with her four grandchildren and on her many hobbies—quilting, playing music and crafting. She’ll also substitute at TDHS.

“I’m not feeling retired yet because it’s summer,” Skov said on her last day. “Everybody leaves for summer. But I’m sure it will feel like retirement in the fall when everybody else comes back to school.”