COVINGTON, Ind. — Covington Elementary School lost 119 years of experience as four of its longtime teachers retired at the end of the school year.

That’s how long Carolyn Lloyd, Bill Marion, Rita Ratcliff and Laura Hacquet have spent teaching in Covington. Although they all talk fondly about their tenure, they’re excited about retirement.

“My mother, who was a teacher, always told me to retire while I still love teaching, and I think we all do,” said Lloyd about leaving.

The quartet had plenty of ideas for how they’re going to spend the next phase of their lives.

“I’m going to get certified as a horse masseuse,” said Ratcliff, who teaches kindergarten and owns several show horses. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

Hacquet, who lives south of Covington, and Marion of Bismarck, Ill., both plan to travel. Marion also wants to do some work around his house.

“I’m going to read the books I’ve always wanted to read and do some yard work — whatever suits my fancy and needs to be done,” he said.

Lloyd, who also lives south of Covington, is looking forward to doing all the things she hasn’t had time for while teaching, including spending more time with her children and grandchildren.

“I want to remodel my kitchen, and I’ve still got a bedroom to do,” she said. “I might take up painting again. And I would like to take classes at the junior college.”

The retirees said they will miss their coworkers, whom they described as a “second family, and sometimes first family,” as well as seeing the success of individual students.

“I think we’ve learned a lot from one another,” said Lloyd. “In this building we’ve always been will-ing to share. Teachers work as a team and that has made teaching fun.”

Hacquet agreed: “You can’t do it on your own.”

Marion described the annual outdoor summer school for the fourth and fifth grades as a career highlight. He has especially enjoyed taking students to Lincoln State Park and Indiana Dunes, where they could see cactus grow wild.

“You can learn and have fun,” is the motto Marion hopes his students will remember, and many of those who took his rocket-building class probably agree.

Unfortunately, teachers today have fewer opportunities to pursue fun, hands-on learning, since the focus in elementary school education has shifted toward more academics, and lack of funding is rampant.

Lloyd said. “We used to do more creative things, but now we don’t have the time. We’re pushed to do more tests and the funding is tied to testing.”

A more positive change during the four teachers’ tenure has been the technological revolution.

“I love the new technology and what it can do for you — we’ve come a long way. And the kids are so savvy with it,” Lloyd said.

When asked to share some of their teaching secrets with those who will replace the retirees this fall, Hacquet offered, “Remember that what works for one kid might not work for another.”

“You’ve got to form a personal connection with each child to get them on your team. It’s a challenge with some of them,” said Lloyd and added, “If the children are angry and frustrated, remember that it’s not about you. You can still love that child. Just don’t take anything personally.”

LLOYD FILE

Name: Carolyn Lloyd

Position: First-grade teacher at Covington Elementary School.

Age: 65.

Education: Graduate of Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis; bachelor of science degree from Purdue University; master of science degree from Indiana State University.

Experience: Covington High School, one year; Twin Lakes School Corp., two years; Covington Elementary School, 30 years

HACQUET FILE

Name: Laura Hacquet

Position: Second-grade teacher at Covington Elementary School.

Age: 56.

Education: Graduate of Industry (Ill.) High School; bachelor of arts degree from Illinois College; master of science degree from Indiana State University.

Experience: Industry Elementary School, one year; year; Judith Giacoma Elementary School, Westville, Ill., two years; Covington Elementary School, 25 years.

RATCLIFF FILE

Name: Rita Ratcliff

Position: Kindergarten teacher at Covington Elementary School.

Age: 67.

Education: Graduate of Richland Twp. High School; bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Indiana State University.

Experience: Richland Twp. Elementary School, two years; Coal Creek Central Elementary School, two years; Lansing, Mich., one year; San Jose, Calif., 13 years; and Covington Elementary School, 27 years.

MARION FILE

Name: Bill Marion

Position: Fourth-grade teacher at Covington Elementary School.

Age: 63.

Education: Graduate of Bismarck (Ill.) High School; associate degree, Danville Junior College; bachelor of science degree from Illinois State University; master of science degree from DePauw University.

Experience: Alvin, Ill., two years; Covington Elementary School, 37 years