As the 2019 school year comes to an end, Ronan School District says goodbye to one of their longest known teachers, Crystal Pitts. She has been teaching in the Ronan School District for 38 years along with her first years of student teaching.

Pitts is originally from Columbia Falls, but she made her way down to Ronan to teach and begin her career in education. She has taught many classes, which include science, English, math, choir, computers and physical education.

PITTS KNEW she wanted to be a teacher when she was in sixth grade. She taught Sunday school, swim lessons and shadowed teachers in her school.

She explains that the most rewarding part of being a teacher was “getting to know the kids and watching them learn.” Pitts stated that the hardest part of retiring is “leaving the kids.”

Pitts will stay busy after retirement taking care of her five grandsons, one granddaughter, her German shepherds, and her large family.

She would like to say to her former students and staff at Ronan Middle School, “When you see me please reintroduce yourself because after 4,000 students, I can’t remember.”

Crystal Pitts has left a lasting impact on everyone around her — from her students to her co-workers, Ronan School District will miss her.