District rallies around ailing teacher

By Sue Odegard

Teachers and other staff members of the River Falls School District have come together to support a cherished colleague.

Cheryl Mann, local physical education teacher for 28 years, is battling cancer in her lungs and lymph nodes.

"If I had to pick one teacher in the school district who has touched the lives of young people in our community the most, it would be Cheryl," said Judy Foy, an English teacher at the high school. "She's the first one to point out the need to help someone in need. She's probably had an impact on every family who lives here. I know she is missing her students right now."

As a swimming instructor for elementary school children and a life-saving skills teacher for older students, Mann has spent many hours in the high school pool.

"She's a very caring person," said Tom Carroll, assistant principal at the high school. "She teaches beginning swimming and life-saving skills including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). She really enjoys doing that."

Mann lives in Ellsworth with her two elementary-school -age children, Samantha and Arthur. Her husband, Lowell, is dead. She is very athletic and extremely family-oriented, Foy said.

"She's dealing with quite a lot right now," Carroll said. "She's trying to maintain a home for her children while being treated for cancer. She's out of sick leave and is in need of financial support."

Mann was diagnosed with cancer in March. She's on a leave of absence from the school district while she undergoes chemotherapy treatments.

Mann has had one surgery and will have more in May or June. She does have medical insurance, Carroll said, but needs help with other household expenses.

"She's a fighter," Foy said. "Except for our prayers, she's never asked for anything because she finds it difficult to accept help from others. But she's amazingly upbeat. This is something she's going to fight."

Nancy Gunderson, receptionist-secretary at the high school, agreed.

"She's very optimistic about overcoming her struggles," Gunderson said. "She's always there to help someone else and the students she's worked with are responding to that. Some of the kindergarten children made her a booklet to send their get-well wishes."

Grant Hanson, former high school principal who retired in 1995, said he worked with Mann for 22 years.

"She is very well qualified for her work in the physical education department," Hanson said. "She's outstanding in the swimming program and is a dedicated professional. She's the kind of teacher you'd want your child to have."

Mann's water-safety classes work on two levels: they serve as an introduction to swimming for kindergartners and as a teaching introduction for high school students who serve as their mentors.

"Even more important for the older ones is the tremendous growth I see in their self-esteem," Mann said in an interview last December. "Sometimes I have to remind them how good a job they are doing because they don't always believe it."

To prepare her high school students, Mann had them visit kindergarten classes to observe what kids are like at that age.

"We emphasize the positive so the kindergartners are encouraged," Mann said. "But the high school students also learn about how to handle discipline, giving time outs, consequences, that sort of thing."

In a very short time, Mann said the high school students become role models for their young charges.

"Part of what they do is helping the little ones in the locker room," Mann said. "It's making sure they wash their hair, dry themselves, get dressed properly, tie their shoes. It's especially thrilling to see the (high school) boys do this, to see them nurturing because that comes more naturally to girls."

Mann has taught CPR classes for the American Red Cross. She has also coached local students in volleyball, softball, basketball, gymnastics and those on the swim team.

"I've taught with her since 1972," said Deb Timmerman, physical education teacher at Greenwood Elementary School. "We started coaching when organized athletics for girls was really getting underway. Basically, we did everything."

Timmerman said her admiration for Mann has grown into a lasting friendship.

"She's a tireless Red Cross worker," Timmerman said. "And she totally cares for kids. She's an awesome swimming teacher and puts all her energy toward helping her students."

A spaghetti dinner and bake sale has been scheduled to raise money for Mann and her children. It is being organized by the high school teachers with support from other River Falls School District employees.

Set for 5-7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 29, in the high school cafeteria, the price for the meal is $6. Children under age 5 eat for free. There will also be a raffle. Matching funds of up to $750 are being donated by Lutheran Brotherhood's Pierce County Branch #8649.

"We hope to see a lot of people coming out for the benefit," Carroll said. "We want them to enjoy a good meal, but also to help Cheryl and her family."

Carroll said cash donations are also being accepted. They can be sent to the high school, c/o Tom Carroll, at 230 N. Ninth St., River Falls, Wis., 54022.

Mann's high school students are organizing a fundraising car wash on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the parking lot at Dick's IGA. Proceeds will benefit the Mann family.

For more information on either fundraiser, call the high school at 425-1830.