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Mr. Barsch says goodbye to OEHS

6/24/2015

12 Comments

 
After 11 wonderful years at Oswego East, I have made the decision to accept a position as Choir Director at Batavia High School. The Batavia school board approved my hire last night, and I have submitted my resignation to district 308 today. 

I cannot express how much the students and staff at OEHS mean to me. I have learned and grown so much by working with all of you. OEHS is a great place to work; caring and hard-working teachers, positive and talented students, and a supportive community. I have always envisioned spending my whole career there. 

That is, until the position became available at Batavia. I live here and this is the district where my sons attend. It will be much easier for me to attend their games and concerts, and for them to come to BHS with me. Countless times, I have wanted to bring them to watch my students' sporting events or plays, but it wasn't feasible when traveling back and forth would take well over an hour. Now, I'll be able to come home for dinner, even if I have a concert or evening event at work. The opportunity to be more present with my children is a priceless one. I only have 10 more years until they are grown, and I don't want to miss a moment. 

I also feel like BHS will be a good fit for me. I have had the chance to meet with my new colleagues, and I look forward to joining their already-thriving program. I feel like there is tremendous potential on the choir side, and I'm exited to discover what the future holds. 

To my OEHS colleagues, thanks so much for the chance to work with you! I'm made some wonderful friendships and I will miss seeing you!

To my alumni, thanks for helping me build something special at OEHS. I'm so proud of you and thankful for what we built together. I'm still rooting for you, no matter where your path has led. 

To my current OEHS students, I'm so sorry that I won't be there for the end of your high school career. Leaving you is by far the hardest part of this for me. I hope you know that I will always be in your corner cheering you on. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to know you. MMSSLW

Peter Barsch
Twitter: @pbarsch
IG: @pbarsch
12 Comments
Emily Steele
6/24/2015 11:11:43 am

Thank you, for all you've done for OEHS students through the years. You instilled in us a passion for music that lasted beyond the classroom. Good luck, thank you and "I'll be seeing you."
Emily, class of 2007

Reply
Becky Benson
6/24/2015 11:57:15 am

Thank you for all you have done. OEHS is definitely going to miss you as have I since I had to move. I have not forgotten all you have taught me. Thank you so much for your dedication and for all you did for the students and myself. You will be a wonderful asset to BHS.

Reply
Brandy Wolf
6/24/2015 12:08:21 pm

congratulations Peter! you definitely made an impact on my nephew Andrew. Best of luck.

Reply
Molly Herman Blomquist
6/24/2015 12:31:19 pm

What a beautiful goodbye you have written. Though your leaving doesn't affect my daughter, as I was already sadly resigned to her not being lucky enough to have you as a teacher at OHS, I'm sure your students will be equally sad. However, if they are as great as you have said, I'm certain they will also be happy for you. I worked 50 miles away for many years, and when that stopped, I can't tell how awesome it was to see my kids so much more. You're an incredible teacher, because of how much you care. Good luck in this new chapter of your career at Batavia. I'm so happy for you!

Reply
Drew Resendiz
6/24/2015 12:41:06 pm

May your future students take in the lessons that you teach them. For they are more than just lessons to be learned in school. But they are truly life lessons to be held close to to heart and never forgotten.

Reply
Monica Byrne
6/24/2015 12:48:08 pm

Thank you For everything you have given to OEHS! Even though I had one daughter under your teachings, I will miss your presence at the school! I'm so happy you will be able to spend more time with your family...famy is everything!!

Reply
Hannah Smith
6/24/2015 01:50:39 pm

My gosh! This man taught me SO much about appreciating and sharpening my craft. He's been a real blessing onto OEHS, I only hope his replacement can fill his shoes.

Reply
Mike Brauweiler
6/24/2015 02:17:43 pm

Peter -
It would be difficult to adequately convey to you how much you've meant to our family over the years. I can still remember you playing accompaniment for Christopher back at Thompson, and what you taught Lauren and Kelly can't be measured. We wish you all the best of luck you so richly deserve going forward.

Reply
Mike Schwartz
6/24/2015 02:31:28 pm

I commend you for putting your family first and making them a priority - too often the family is neglected, and a life full of regret is not a life worth living.

While Oswego East loses one of its best educators, Batavia doesn't know how blessed they are to have you as part of their faculty. Your commitment to your craft and your students is truly admirable.

Reply
Allie Brunner
6/24/2015 02:48:00 pm

I was surprised to read that Mr. Barsch was leaving OE. He is a fantastic teacher and I loved his class so much! I still think about the four years I've spent in choir and how much passion Barsch brought to the classroom. Good luck at Batavia! They are lucky to have you!
Allie, class of 2014

Reply
Laura Friedlein
6/24/2015 03:00:08 pm

I just want to thank you for all of the support you have given every single one of us to walk to through those choir doors. You have given us so much more than many people. I can happily say that I would not be where I am today without your support and encouragement through everything.

I hope that Batavia is a wonderful place and it is great to know that those wonderful kids of yours will be able to work with you one day in school as well, since we were all so lucky and fortunate to do so. Thank you for everything!

-LF, class of 2010

Reply
Nicole Roberts link
6/24/2015 03:15:06 pm

I would like to thank you so much for the best two years of my life. I'm sad to see you go, but I'm so happy to have met you in my favorite class. I hope you like Batavia!

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