Hundreds Attend Open House Honoring Retiring Green Principal Kathy Sheiko

Hundreds of fellow teachers, parents, and former students ranging from kindergartners to law school students filled the gymnasium of Friday afternoon at an open house in honor of retiring principal

Several of the attendees wore T-shirts imprinted with the name "Sheiko Elementary," reflecting the surprise announcement made at the June 13 that Green would be renamed in honor of Sheiko and her 26 years of service.

Parents, students, and colleagues remember Sheiko for her dedication and her hands-on approach to leadership.

“You’d find her on the playground, in the kitchen; she was everybody’s caretaker,” said Janis Schiffer, a social worker at Green. “I feel like I’m losing my other half. She’s a remarkable human being, very inspirational. I’m surprised they didn’t name the entire district after her.”

A continuous line of well-wishers extended outside the door of the Green gymnasium, and Sheiko greeted each person with a hug and a smile of recognition. Guests enjoyed refreshments that included fruit, cheese, cookies, and Mrs. Sheiko’s homemade baklava and brownies, piled high with chocolate chips.

“This is so fun, for Kathy and all the teachers, to see all the students who’ve come back,” said Blaine McDowell, who teaches first grade at Green. “I’ve seen students from when I started 15 years ago.”

Carla Marymee, who handled the publicity for the open house, remembers how Sheiko took her family “under her wing” when they moved to West Bloomfield from California.

“I can’t think of another administrator more deserving; it has been an honor to know her,” said Marymee.

The words most commonly used to describe Sheiko were that “she ran a tight ship,” and that is what gained her the admiration and respect of her co-workers and the parents of the children she served.

“Either you liked or you hated her,” said Ruthina Morigney, whose two children attended Green. “At first it was a little rough, but I came to like and respect her. The school is definitely going to be different when she’s gone.”

Morigney’s daughter Jasmine, who will be entering high school in the fall, said that Sheiko was the principal she would miss the most.

“On our trip to Mackinac Island, she protected us — it was like having another parent,” said Chelsea Smith, who lives in Southfield but attended Green through the School of Choice program.

Ellen Michaels of West Bloomfield, who attended the open house with her daughter Shelby, a fifth-grader, likened Sheiko to the headmaster at a private school.

“I think she is a wonderful educator,” said Michaels. “She had a philosophy and she stuck to it. She was consistent.”

Sheiko smiled nonstop as she chatted with those who had come to congratulate her and say good-bye. Everyone received a bookmark with Sheiko's contact information on one side and her famous brownie recipe on the other.

“I am overwhelmed, amazed, and humbled,” said Sheiko. “I only truly did what I thought was my job; I’m glad that it was appreciated.”