Godspeed, Sandy Behlmer UPDATED

I just learned that Sandy Behlmer passed away.  As soon as I get more details I post them here for you.

We will never forget you, Mrs. Behlmer.

UPDATE: This email came in from Campbell Hall. It looks like a memorial service will be held Sunday, April 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Garver Gym.

March 24, 2009

From The Reverend Julian Bull, Headmaster

Dear Argyll Alumnae,

It is with sadness that I write to let you know that we have lost a dear friend to Argyll Academy and Campbell Hall. Sandy Behlmer fought her battle against cancer as she embraced every aspect of her vibrant and well-lived life, with courage, dignity and grace.

The Behlmer family joined the school community when son, Curt, attended kindergarten in 1965. Recruited as a teacher by founding principal Mildred Hawks, Sandy nurtured and inspired young men and women through her passion for the arts for almost forty years. In an article in the 1991-1992 Annual Report Headmaster Emeritus Canon Thomas G. Clarke reflected that Sandy was, .an advocate for art education, she helped to develop the senior art history and music history courses, now graduation requirements.Consistently through the years, returning alumni comment that the senior art and music history programs represent some of their more useful pre-college preparation courses and that they have contributed to an increased understanding of the arts. She also taught psychology in the high school, ultimately stepping down from her administrative roles to afford more class time to be with her beloved students. She was featured in the 2000-2001 Annual Report’s Master Teacher Profile, a role she epitomized.

In Sandy’s words, September 2000 ~

“In 1965, my son, Curt, began attending Campbell Hall – considered to be the very best school by dear friends. Doris Welsh epitomized the perfect kindergarten teacher and CH appeared to embrace the values I held dear.

Previously I had worked at Eastman Kodak, in design studios, and at Walt Disney in animation as a breakdown artist (Sleeping Beauty and the Mickey Mouse Club really date me). After my son’s birth I became a student again, at UCLA, in the field of education and psychology.

I began teaching at CH in 1965; my classes covered studio art, art history, and psychology. I chaired the Fine Arts Department for 20 years and stepped aside to give more time to my real love..students. The advisee program has allowed me to have extra time with exceptional women. The two-year format, especially 11th through 12 presents an advisor with the opportunity to experience the magical change that occurs during the summer in-between. The girls return after an opportunity to be on their own – they have moved outside of themselves, they begin to develop a global view. This may come from attending the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. / going to artistic performances, sports, leadership, camps/ international travel/ volunteering full-time in an internship/ attending a university or just natural maturation. For whatever reason, the change always happens – and it is thrilling to see.

The Grace Cathedral experience last November was amazing. Five of my ten advisees were in the CH Chorus and a sixth was at the conference – the National Association of Episcopal Schools Biennial. Chaperoning was great fun. Each student was dedicated to doing her best and each was extremely responsible.

I have always admired the principles, intellect, and heart of Tom Clarke. He has been an important man in the transitional stages of my life. Tom confirmed my son 29 years ago, married my son and daughter-in-law 17 years ago, and buried my mother in 1986 and my father in 1987. Campbell Hall is more than a job or career, it is family.

Teaching is my passion; the opportunity to communicate with students allows me to constantly learn and grow. I have positive expectations for each student’s success. It is exciting to introduce a concept, theory, or problem and see how they relate to it, develop it, and/or delight in it.

Classroom management seems easy for me. I respect the essence of each student and my rules are established the first day of class. I have a silly discipline activity, “walking the tree five times”
for breaking a classroom rule. After the walk, “I say thank you” and it is forgotten – unless an infraction occurs three times within one class period.

The rules are:
No “put-downs” or “dissing” or sarcasm directed to another student.
No inappropriate language.
No gum chewing.
No hats or head gear
No audible yawning.
Be prepared with all books, etc. at the beginning of class.

I have walked the tree myself for assorted infractions: Rolling my eyes, laughing at a drawing of a neuron, etc. I am watched very carefully.

The past was special, I love to see former students return, and the future is exciting. Campbell Hall always continues to grow with technology, self-studies, and teacher enrichment.”

Sandy taught at Argyll Academy and Campbell Hall for 37 years; her spirit lives in the hearts of many alumni, families, and current and former faculty and staff.

A memorial service honoring Sandy will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Garver Gym.

From the outpouring of letters and emails, it is clear how deeply Sandy touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know and learn from and with her. Along with Sandy’s family and friends, we give thanks and pay tribute for the life of a dear and treasured friend, for a woman of exceptional intellect, beauty, humor and compassion.

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Sandy. We thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn, especially Sandy’s family and friends. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; we pray in your most Holy Name. Amen.