Charlotte Holman has taught a wide variety of subjects, including AP Computer Science Principals, Precalculus, Honors Precalculus, Introduction to Computer Programming, Honors Geometry, Geometry, Algebra ll and Transitional Algebra.
Charlotte Holman said she has mixed feelings regarding her retirement. Discussing the chapter that’s about to end, she said there are many things she’s going to miss about teaching at SHS.
“The people — the daily interaction with my students and my colleagues,” Charlotte Holman said. “I may not have any friends after I leave, since many of my colleagues are my closest friends. As I look ahead to retirement, I know I will deeply miss the small, unexpected moments that happen in the classroom—the side conversations with students that help me truly get to know them, the spontaneous discussions that make each day unique, and the constant learning that comes with teaching math and computer science. These moments have been the heartbeat of my career. Solon has great families and great kids, and I will miss being a daily part of my students’ lives.”
Although Charlotte Holman has a number of things she will miss at SHS, there are plenty of things to look forward to about retiring.
“I have five children and two grandsons,” Charlotte Holman said. “I plan to spend lots of time with my family doing things we all enjoy — traveling to places we haven’t been, road-tripping around the United States and visiting the National Parks, doing crafts, game nights, family dinners, etc. I am also looking forward to having time to read books, organize my house, cook real meals and visit with my aging parents who live in Colorado more often.”
One of Charlotte Holman’s five children, Caelyn Holman, is a freshman at SHS.
“The plan was always that we would both exit Solon High School together and head to Hawaii the morning after her graduation,” Charlotte Holman said. “I am a little sad that I don’t get to be with her in the building for the next three years, but we will definitely still be heading to Hawaii the day after graduation. I have really enjoyed having Caelyn here with me this year and traveling to and from school together, seeing her in the hallway and visiting with her in our common study hall four days a week. We are each other’s biggest supporters, and I am going to miss the extra hours I have gotten to spend with her this year, but I know she will be fine and thrive on her own.”
Caelyn Holman thinks her moms retirement will be good for her and she’s extremely happy for her. She also states that she visits her mom twice a day and sees her throughout the school often.
“I’m gonna miss having someone to talk to during the day,” Caelyn Holeman said.
Caelyn Holeman hasn’t had Charlotte Holman as a teacher, but would like to have her as a teacher because everyone seems to love her.
Senior Zeina Hemdanie, a former student of Charlotte Holman, is going to miss her very much.
“I think her retirement is sad because she’s such a great teacher, but I know she’s excited to retire and spend time with her grandchildren, so I’m happy that she gets to spend more time with them after this year,” Hemdanie said.
Hemdanie’s favorite memory with Charlotte Holman is hanging out in her classroom and being able to talk about everything and anything. She feels like Charlotte Holman provides a very safe space.
“She’s always there to give advice and never one to judge,” Hemdanie said. “Ms. Holman makes each of her classes feel like a family.”
Hemdanie said she loves getting feedback from Charlotte Holman and takes a lot of her advice. She is grateful to have Charlotte Holman as a teacher and someone to look up to. Hemdanie wanted to share a message with Charlotte Holman as she retired.
“I hope that retirement treats her well, and I’ll miss being able to sit down and talk to her whenever I want,” Hemdanie said. “And that she has impacted my life more than she’ll ever know.”
Michelle Speelman, one of Charlotte Holman’s colleagues at SHS, is referred to as Charlotte Holman’s “teacher bestie”. Speelman shares how she is feeling regarding Charlotte Holman’s retirement.
“I am so incredibly excited for her – she definitely deserves it because she has worked so hard for so many years, but sad for myself and future students that will not get the experience of having her for a teacher,” Speelman said.
As we begin the second semester, Speelman wants to send Charlotte Holman off with a message considering she’s going to miss seeing her every day.
“I would tell Ms. Holman – enjoy every minute of every day because you have earned it.” Speelman said. “You will truly be missed. I would also thank her for all the help she has given me over the years and thank her for her friendship.”
Charlotte Holman had some final words of advice to new teachers.
“Focus on getting to know your students and them getting to know you and building relationships before the content,” Charlotte Holman said. “The more comfortable and safe your students feel in your classroom, the more they will learn. Build the connections, and success will come.”
