Blubaum retires from Roachdale

Friday, May 15, 2009
Principal Helen Blubaum (right) will retire from Roachdale Elementary School this year after 13 years. She brought many educational, community-oriented and fun events to the school.

Leaving Roachdale Elementary won't be easy for Helen Blubaum, who is retiring at the end of this school year. She has been the principal at the school for 13 years.

"I can't imagine not being here -- it will be really hard for me. I came here not knowing much about Roachdale. I knew some of the faculty because of my husband Lloyd, who teaches at the high school. What I gained was a second family," she said with a catch in her voice.

"All the teachers are so very professional. They are always ready to do what's right for kids and have supported the vision I had for this school.

"Never once have I done a school improvement plan by myself. All the staff has been involved in what we wanted to do for the students of Roachdale," she said.

Blubaum began her teaching career in 1981 in the Crawfordsville school system. She was there for 15 years, working in all the buildings except the high school. She taught all grade levels plus Title 1 kids.

It was while she was at Crawfordsville that the seed of becoming a principal was planted.

"I had been teaching about 13 years and one of my principals saw me discipline some kids and jokingly told me I was mean enough to be a principal. The seed was planted. But I have never had to be mean," laughed Blubaum.

She had just finished her first masters' degree and decided to go back and earn a second degree in leadership and supervision. She finished the degree and came to Roachdale in 1995.

"I absolutely loved Crawfordsville, but this was home. All three of my children graduated from North Putnam. I wanted to come home and be part of the community," she said.

Lloyd was teaching English at NPHS. In fact, he has taught there for 38 years. He retired three years ago, but continued to teach college bound students two days a week. This is his last year at North Putnam too.

Blubaum plans on not being in the county when school starts next year.

"I don't think I can stand it. I have loved it here," she said.

She and her husband plan on spending part of the year in central Florida, where Lloyd likes to freshwater fish.

"When I was going to school I used to study while he fished. I guess now I'll go out with him and read while he fishes," she laughed.

But the feisty principal doesn't have any intention of not being involved. She plans to do some testing for the schools and be involved in lots of community events.

"I want to help at the Putnam County Museum and volunteer at the Care-Net Pregnancy Center. I have a long association with government agencies in Greencastle from the school. They have always been supportive to me and now it's my turn to give back," said Blubaum.

She also plans on spending lots of time with her two grandsons, Brayden and Beckett.

"I'm finding out little boys are a lot more energetic than little girls," she commented.

All three of her daughters, Jacqueline Meagher, Kristina Haig and Laura Blubaum Martin, live close by.

"One is in Plainfield, one in Greencastle and one in Crawfordsville. Laura teaches fourth grade at Bainbridge. I guess she decided to follow in mom and dad's footsteps," added Blubaum.

Scott Spencer will be stepping into Blubaum's shoes next year. She told him he was a lucky man to be coming to Roachdale.

"He's the man for the job. He will find the parents here are absolutely outstanding. They support the school and its mission. When behavior is an issue, the parents are usually right on it with the kids. This year I did not have even one parent issue. The children here are so well behaved," she said.

"I would like to say thank you to all the patrons and staff for all the wonderful years they have given me. They will always be my family," concluded Blubaum.

There will be a retirement reception for Blubaum on Friday, May 22 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Roachdale Elementary gymnasium. It is open to the public. For information contact 522-1732.

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  • The Blubaums have been icons in our community and will leave big shoes to fill. We who've been blessed to be taught and led by the Blubaums over the years will woefully try to aspire to their heights. Good choices have been made for the many people needed in those positions to follow their leadership.

    -- Posted by Hoosier Hiker on Fri, May 15, 2009, at 7:37 AM
  • Mrs. Blubaum has been a wonderful principal, and we will be sad to see her go. I wish her and Mr. Blubaum the best of luck. You have made a huge impact on many of the students that have had you as principal or teacher for many years, and I know that those students will not forget you, just miss you!

    -- Posted by RDALERESIDENT on Fri, May 15, 2009, at 1:49 PM
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