After 20 years at G. Ray Bodley High school, German teacher Frau Ruggio is entering Retirement after this school year.

The most frequently asked question that Frau (German for Mrs.) gets is, “How does it feel?” She responds with that it feels bittersweet. She has absolutely loved teaching for over 30 years, which includes her time in other districts. She describes teaching as hands-down one of the most amazing jobs she has ever had.

Frau has taught French, ELL, and German during her career. She also taught at Mexico and Skaneateles, but mainly has worked in Fulton. Frau will continue teaching German at Onondaga Community College next spring.

Frau is looking forward to being able to do a lot of the things she hasn’t gotten to do yet and is excited to have more time for the things she loves. She’s looking forward to being able to travel more as well as going to see family and friends. She’s also excited as she will be able to spend more time with her grandchildren. She explained how she would like to move to Colorado within the next couple of years and jokes around about breaking in her new boots she bought the last time she was there. Frau also can’t wait to do some more gardening as she loves to garden.

She also explained how she’s really looking forward to the Europe trip this summer where she will be one of the chaperones helping take 25 students from GRB overseas.

Frau is a teacher who has been loved by many students. They are both happy for her retirement as she will be able to relax and do things she enjoys, but they are also sad to see her retire.

Senior Jonathan Simpson said, “Frau has been an absolutely great teacher who I have learned a lot from. I’m sad to see her go.”

Senior Jadelyn James said, “She’s an amazing teacher and a wonderful person. I am happy to see her get a break with her retirement.”

Senior Steven Thompson said, “Frau is, without a doubt, the greatest teacher I’ve ever had. Frau was more than a teacher. She was practically a second mother to me. She was someone you could casually talk to about anything on a daily basis."

He added, "I can’t say enough good things about her honestly. To see her retiring is bittersweet, more so for the underclassmen who haven’t taken German 4. But I’m very happy for Frau as I wish her nothing but the absolute best in her retirement because she most certainly deserves it.”

Congratulations, Frau!