A bittersweet farewell: Looking back on Ms. Calvert’s time at OHS

UPDATE, April 11, 10:33 a.m.: Added a photo of Calvert with the World Languages Department in 2011.

Ms. Melissa Calvert, the Assistant Principal for Student Services, recently announced plans to become the Assistant Principal at Wheaton-Warrenville South High School next school year. During her time at Oswego High School, Calvert served as a Spanish teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal for Student Services, her hardworking nature paving the way for advancement within the school.

Calvert and her current coworkers—Assistant Principals Mr. William Nunamaker and Mrs. Tania Sharp—declined to be interviewed, but many of her colleagues in the Spanish and Deans Offices shared positive memories. Although the Oswego High School community is sad to see her go, Calvert has made an everlasting impact on the staff and students of OHS.  

Spanish teacher Ms. Monica Morales, who started working at OHS the same year as Calvert, had nothing but good things to say in regards to her fellow coworker.

“She always made something fun out of whatever the lesson had to be,” Morales said. “I remember for Spanish 1 when we would talk about boot conjugations, she would always wear her boots.”

Calvert’s easygoing personality shined through as Morales reflected on a funny moment shared in the World Languages office. She shared that one day she entered the office to find Calvert and fellow Spanish teacher Ms. Gianna Quattrochi planking on the floor. The seemingly random act is still referenced to this day, continuing the laughter between not just coworkers, but friends.

Morales conveyed a deep respect for Calvert and her dependable nature.

“In so many ways, I can see her as a person that I look up to. Any questions that I had or anything I had to talk to her about, she was always there,” Morales said.

Although Morales will miss seeing Calvert at work, she is delighted at this new opportunity for her friend.

“We are excited for her, for this new journey that she has, and I know that we are going to miss her dearly, but we are good friends, so we will see each other,” Morales said.

Spanish teacher Ms. Kimberly Stark shared similar feelings upon initially meeting Calvert when she began working at Oswego High School.

“I think all of us in this department are kind of like a family,” Stark said. “We all get along really well, and [Calvert] fit right in when she came.”

Similarly to many of her colleagues, Stark described Calvert as a funny and helpful person, who was appreciated by everyone around her.

“If we were off at the same time, [we would be] just goofing around in the office and letting off steam or talking things out with each other. She’s always there to support you if you’re having a bad day,” Stark said.

In regards to her leaving the Oswego community, Stark supports whatever decision Calvert makes, putting her well-being first.

“I’m happy for her, that she is advancing her career, that she is doing what she wants, and that she is happy doing it, but we will miss her,” Stark said.

After serving as a Spanish teacher for three years, Calvert took a position as a Dean of Students in 2014, transitioning into an administrative position.

She immediately clicked with the other Deans, Mr. Brian Cooney and Mr. Dave Jones, building relationships both serious and humorous.

Jones shared that Calvert was given a nickname inspired by a character from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” describing her focused and determined personality.

“We call her Veruca Salt, because what she wants, she wants now,” Jones said.

Although the work of a dean may seem serious and firm, Calvert put her own spin on things, bringing her sense of humor along to her new position.

“My favorite memory with Calvert was when she would try to sing and dance in the hallways obnoxiously loud and off-key to get kids to get out of the hallways. It was so bad that Cooney and I went into the back end of the office because we didn’t want to see or hear it,” Jones said.

Jones recognizes that OHS will miss Calvert as she takes on a new position, but sees the positives in her relocation.

“It’s kind of bittersweet. We’re torn down here because we really enjoyed working with her, but it’s a good opportunity for her and her family,” Jones said.

Cooney also spoke about Calvert with great admiration and praise.

“She’s a close colleague and I really respect how she does her job, how she does a difficult job, both when she was here at the dean’s office and now that she is working as an assistant principal,” Cooney said.

Calvert’s sense of humor stuck with Cooney, creating memorable moments that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

“[We had] lots of laughs. I mean, not just like, that’s kind of funny, but true stomach laughs, like your eyes are watering up,” Cooney said.

He also recognized how Calvert has improved the Oswego High School environment, taking on such tasks as organizing the PSAT and SAT testing and pushing for the creation of new graphics for hallways.

“She’s brought new ideas, new energy, ” Cooney said.

Calvert has been a valuable member of the Oswego High School community, positively impacting the spirits of both students and staff. We thank her for her contributions to the school and wish her all the best in the future.