Crookston retires after 26 years at Fredonia Elementary

After 26 years of faithfully serving the students and families of Fredonia, Mrs. Jeanne Crookston officially retired in June 2026, closing a remarkable chapter that has touched countless lives in our community.

Mrs. Jeanne Crookston officially retired in June 2026 after 26 years of teaching at Fredonia Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District.

Mrs. Crookston began her teaching career in August 2000 and spent every one of those 26 years at Fredonia Elementary School. Throughout her career, she primarily taught kindergarten but also taught second, third and sixth grades. She later shared her passion for education with future educators by teaching Early Childhood Education at both the high school and community college levels. As a reading and literacy specialist, she helped lay the foundation for generations of young readers, giving children the confidence and skills they would carry throughout their lives.

“My fifth-grade teacher saw something in me that did not see in myself,” she shared when asked what inspired her to become a teacher. “She encouraged me not to be afraid to be different and to be a leader.”

That encouragement became the very gift Mrs. Crookston would later pass on to hundreds of children.

Among her proudest accomplishments was helping students learn to read. More than teaching letters and sounds, she gave children a strong literacy foundation while creating a classroom where they felt safe, loved and supported through consistency and structure.

When asked what she will miss most, her answer was not about lesson plans or classroom routines. Instead, she spoke about the hugs from students, walking through hallways where everyone knew her by name and the friendships she built with colleagues over the years. Those relationships, she said, are the memories she will treasure most.

“I know not everyone loves our school, and that’s okay,” she said. “I love it. It was my home. It is where I felt cared about and valued for many years. It will always be a big part of my heart. I will always be true blue.”

Those who had the opportunity to work alongside Mrs. Crookston describe her as a dedicated educator, supportive colleague and compassionate mentor. She willingly shared her experience, encouraged those around her and consistently placed students at the center of everything she did.

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, her answer was simple yet powerful.

“I hope they remember that I cared, that I loved, that I made a difference, and that I stood up for the underdog. Find the joy in the journey. Find something to laugh about every day.”

Before closing this chapter, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her journey, including her first principal, Dr. Barnson, her mentor teacher Pam Young, her colleagues, her parents and her husband, whose quiet support behind the scenes made her work possible for many years.

“The days can be long, exhausting and often thankless, but the years go quickly. Cherish the good memories, the friendships and the small victories because they make it all worth it.”

Congratulations, Mrs. Crookston, on your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for 26 years of unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership and faithful service to the children of Fredonia. Your legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come. As Fredonia Elementary begins a new school year, there is no doubt Mrs. Jeanne Crookston’s influence will continue to be felt in the classrooms, hallways and hearts of those she served.