Ms. Patty Honored with Radez Reader Dedication
At Radez Elementary, kindness, connection, and care are at the heart of the school community, and Patricia Kirchner, more known to our students as Ms. Patty, is one of the many staff members who helps bring those values to life.
This year, Mrs. Rightmyer’s class recognized Ms. Patty’s impact by dedicating this year’s Radez Reader in her honor, celebrating the unwavering kindness and support she shows to students each and every day.
“Ms. Patty has amazing, beautiful culture. It just radiates around her like a beautiful ray of sunshine,” said Mrs. Rightmyer.
For the past 12 years, Ms. Patty has served as a teacher aide at Radez Elementary, taking on a variety of roles that keep her connected to students throughout the day. This year, she says, has been her favorite yet because of the variety her schedule offers. Her days consist of assisting with parent drop-offs and pickups, a cursive writing class in the morning, lots of time supporting classrooms and supervising a mellow group of students during recess.
In addition to her many responsibilities, Ms. Patty is also known by some students for being the keeper of Jolly Ranchers. For many students, she’s a trusted and safe presence, always ready with a kind word and a sweet treat. “I even ordered blue Jolly Ranchers because that’s their favorite.”
Students in Mrs. Rightmyer’s 5th grade class were eager to share what makes Ms. Patty so meaningful to them.
Jayla described her by saying, “You are as soft as a wave. You are so kind, and most importantly, you make people happy.”
Lily shared, “Ms. Patty is an amazing example of kindness in our school. I’m sure you have noticed how she puts us before herself to let us be happy and to make us laugh. I’ll always remember how kind and sweet she was and is to me and everyone else. I can always depend on Ms. Patty to make me smile. Thank you for making a wonderful impact on my life.”
Eva shared: “Thank you so much for supporting our school. We are so grateful for you. You are kind and very caring...”
Gia added, “Ms. Patty, you are so kindhearted and always spreading kindness into the world. I love your cool earrings—they always make my day brighter. I also like your fish umbrella that you use when it’s raining… you also make my mom smile in the morning when you say hi to her. You are like a propeller on a boat, because you keep people going.”
Ms. Patty was surprised at the last Radez Rally on May 1, 2026, with the Radez Reader dedication.
“It blew me away. I did not know that was going to happen. I can never, ever thank them enough,” she said.
She also shared how much the recognition meant to her personally. “It gives me some confidence, because there’s been many times where I have doubted myself—with the kids, or what I might say, or did I not do enough, maybe I should have… But they give me more confidence, and it makes me feel better about what I do. I love this job.”
Ms. Patty remains deeply appreciative of the community around her. “I’m just thankful to everybody that’s been kind to me here. I can never thank them enough.”
Ms. Patty’s impact doesn’t just stop at grades 3-5. Students at the middle and high school are ecstatic to see Ms. Patty again, whether its outside of school or when she takes a day off to visit older students at school. Through her daily actions, big and small, Ms. Patty has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families of C-RCS. Her kindness, positivity, and genuine care for others serve as a shining example of what makes our school community so special.
