A Legacy in Bricks

“A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Adams

Jaret Kulmann taught at Haddam Elementary School for a short period several years ago but his legacy lives on in a new group of students working to honor his memory. 

Mr. Kulmann passed away unexpectedly last June leaving his wife, Angie, and their three young children. This fall a group of teachers at HES led by Mrs. Jenn Leavitt began planning the Kulmann Memorial Walkway. The school has long needed a walkway to the primary playground as this area can be quite muddy.  Mr. Kulmann was a paraplegic, and during his time at Haddam a temporary walkway was constructed so he could be on the playground with his students. Students decided a  memorial walkway is a perfect way to honor Mr. Kulmann and his impact at HES.

Recently I had the opportunity to speak to the members of Mrs. Leavitt’s third grade class.  They never knew Mr. Kulmann but they understand his legacy and it inspired them to complete this walkway in honor his three young children. 

Julia shared that members of the community can buy bricks for the playground. “The cost of a brick is $35.  $30 goes to the brick and $5 goes to the Kulmann children.” (the money raised will go to the Kulmann Children Scholarship Fund) 

Lily reported that she has learned that, “Mr. Kulmann was a great teacher and he did a lot for the school to make it a better school.”   

Kelly pointed out that, “When you buy a brick you can write on it.”  The bricks can be personalized with up to three lines of text with 13 characters per line.  The children had many ideas for the community on how to personalize the bricks.

• Family members who have passed (Kelly)
• Nice comments about the school (Owen)
• Nice Comments about Mr. Kulmann (Alexandra)
• What you liked best about Mr. Kulmann (Colin)

 The class was also quick to point out that this is a great gift idea that would be appropriate for cub scout leaders, coaches, teacher gifts, bus drivers or a graduation gift for a former HES student. 

The students recently put their thoughts into poetry form. This was Lily’s poem:

 The HES Kulmann Memorial Walkway

A simple thing that’s made of just clay

For almost 200 years they shall not decay

If you want to walk on them you may

The HES Kulmann Memorial Walkway

A helpful message you can engrave

To spread kindness and cheer

The school will surely be thankful

To have a walkway right here!

Please purchase a brick!

 If you are interested in purchasing a brick for the HES Kulmann Memorial Walkway please contact Jenn Leavitt. 

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