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Thank you so much for everything!! Muchas gracias por todo!! God bless you

Ms. Oliva

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I remember moving to Florence back in 2015 after many life changing events and being unsure of what my future would hold. I began volunteering at Delmae, which led to deciding that I wanted to pursue a career in education. I remember meeting with Mrs. Jolley and how I could instantly feel of her warm personality and the deep love that she has for her school and all who enter. Mrs. Jolley has continued to inspire me from that point and I am so grateful for her support and encouragement over the years! Thank you for all you do Mrs. Jolley and for being you! We love you!!
Marcia Hart

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During the summer of 2018, I by dropped Delmae to tour the school and meet some of the RA team. I had no idea that day would change my life forever, and give me the family I always longed to have. I remember Mrs. Jolley asking if I had any other questions before leaving. My question was, "What type of shoes are we required to wear?" I explained that at my previous school, staff was often reprimanded for attire, including shoes. She smiled, and said, "Do you see this shirt? I have one in every color. And, I'm not going to be looking at your shoes." She further explained that she dressed comfortably, and as long as I was good to her "babies," I had nothing to worry about.

I have never been one to ask for help. It's not that I thought I could do everything better. Truthfully, I just never had anyone I could depend on very much in my life. I honestly lost count on how many times Mrs. Jolley has told me that we work together as a team/family at Delmae. Little by little, the wall I carefully constructed to guard myself and my children from hurt and heartache is being torn down. I have people now. :)

God placed me here. And, Mrs. Jolley is an earthly angel who spends countless hours helping others become the best versions of themselves. She once told me that I needed to find my voice...that I needed to see what others saw in me...that I needed to learn that asking for help was not a weakness. Mrs. Jolley made me believe that I am worthy. From the musical "Wicked":
"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you."

Mary Woodward

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One of the best things about Mrs. Jolley is that she values family and reminds us to put our family first. As a mom of two boys whose husband has a less than forgiving schedule, many times I am like a single mom. Anytime I go to Mrs. Jolley about needing to leave early or take time off to get to various appointments or activities, she is always understanding. I am glad that after 18 years at a previous school I transferred and was chosen to be part of the Delmae family.

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Goodness where would I be without her. Both professionally and personally. I started off as a parent volunteer and Mrs. Jolley came to me and said," as much as you are here you should get paid to do this job.' By that January I was a permanent addition. Next would be my divorce, that I took as a personal failure. She showed me I was gonna be ok and even made a few calls to get me the help I needed to transition into being a single parent. Within the years there have been many situations that I needed her guidance and as a mama figure she has been there to help, discipline, and guide my path with love and respect. I am thankful to have crossed paths with such a strong woman.
Christy Collins

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I was so nervous when I came to interview at Delmae. As soon as I walked in the conference room, Mrs. Jolley introduced me to Mrs. Baggette and bragged about how great I am with children. I was so confused. I had worked in the summer program at Delmae for 3 years, but I never thought Mrs. Jolley noticed me. Little did I know, she had been watching me each summer. She noticed me when I was a nobody. I am grateful that she appreciates everyone, no matter their job title. I never have to guess whether Mrs. Jolley values me and that means the world to me.

Jaclyn Hunter

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Mrs. Jolley has always been so supportive both professionally and personally. She is always a listening ear and has genuine words that come from both her heart and experience.  She is always calm, kind, and generous. I could not ask for a better principal!
Jamie Clark

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Over and over again, Mrs. Jolley has always said to put your family first and that has meant the world as we started our family after coming to Delmae. The most memorable time was when my two year old locked me and my husband out of the house one morning and we were panicking because he was alone and we were both going to be insanely late and I called to let her know what was going on and she picked up and laughed at the situation with me--I knew it was all going to be okay. Granted, my son waited until Netflix asked him if he was still watching Poco Yo before he came back to unlock the door, but it was still okay.
No matter what, Mrs. Jolley is always calm and that radiates out to those around her to help to quell situations that would otherwise go another direction.  With Mrs. Jolley at the helm, all is well.
Love ya, Lady!
Sarah Sparkman

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I really cannot just think of one memory. Mrs. Jolley has really been supportive throughout my years of working at Delmae.  In her words- "The door is always opened".   So I just eased on down the yellow brick road until I got home........

Cathy H.

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Mrs. Jolley has stood behind and believed in our language immersion program from day one.  I am eternally grateful for her encouragement and support throughout the years!  Her love for the children of Florence shines through each and every day!

Jen Shepard

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The summer she started at Delmae, I remember sitting in Mrs. Jolley's office with a 6 month old baby and telling her I was expecting again.  Her response was it will be ok.  At the time I needed those words.  And she was correct, everything turned out great!
Angela Taylor

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Lots of students weight heavy on me.  When I need a listening ear Mrs. Jolley is always there to hear what concerns me and offers great guidance to move forward.  She understands that teaching is much more than the grade that is given.  Teaching is about building relationships with the students who are given to us so that they can feel comfortable, encouraged and supported in becoming the best that they can be.
We love you Mrs. Jolley,
Lauren Greenway

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Mrs. Jolley consistently shows her love and compassion for our multilingual learners!  Our ESOL department and I are so grateful to you for always supporting our program, and allowing Delmae to be the home for many of our events.  Thank you for being so welcoming to us and caring for our diverse community!

Love,
Amy McDowell

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Mrs. Jolley,
In my 15 years as music teacher here at Delmae, I remember how supportive you were for every activity or performance we did.  You offered support through buying the groups pizza for lunch and attending our events at the mall, just to name a few.  If I ever told you I need something, you always provided.  Thank you for such wonderful memories and for supporting the Arts at Delmae!
Tammy Oswalt

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I don't have a lot of experience as a teacher, but Mrs. Jolley has been a part of my teaching journey ever since I was Mrs. Porter's student teacher. I was always so nervous, anxious, and worried about doing the wrong thing. Mrs. Jolley was quick to catch onto that and gave me MANY pep talks my first year as a teacher here at Delmae (and a few since then as well). She told me I had to trust myself and believe in myself, then the rest will follow suit. Mrs. Jolley, you are such a kind and caring person, and far more than a principal - you are family to everyone at Delmae. I am so grateful to be part of your crew!!
Love,
Jessica Collins

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Mrs. Jolley,
I have always appreciated how you have found strengths in your staff and in me.  You are willing to support exploring those strengths and you offer reassurance that things will work out!  Multiple times throughout my career, you have looked deep within to find my personal strength, and help me grow that strength. This has meant a lot to me, as change is something that I do not often embrace. It started with my first job interview with you- 20 years ago, then a grade level change 3X, and finally to a change as an instructional coach from the classroom teaching setting.  You have helped me to become the educator that I am today- and for that I am TRULY grateful!  YOU are the BEST boss around!!!!!
Jill

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(during school hours).  I knew at that moment that she knew I needed my Delmae family at one of the lowest times in my life.  I coudln't imagine how she worked it out to allow all of them to be there.   Mrs. Jolley leads with compassion!  She has always known what I needed just when I needed it.  I will never, EVER, forget her support and love.
Ginger
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The first year Mrs. Jolley came to Delmae, she was calling all the staff to set a meeting with each group. At that time I was a cafeteria worker. It was in July and my family and I were getting ready for vacation. When I told Mrs. Jolley she said you go ahead and I will get with you later! I was so surprised! I just knew I was going to be in trouble when school started back. But of course I wasn't and when I did come in to meet her she was as pleasant as she is now. When I decided to go back to school at age 45 not only did she encourage me to but, she actually help me when I didn't understand! She truly has a heart for God and his people!!!  

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The first year Mrs. Jolley came to Delmae, she was calling all the staff to set a meeting with each group. At that time I was a cafeteria worker. It was in July and my family and I were getting ready for vacation. When I told Mrs. Jolley she said you go ahead and I will get with you later! I was so surprised! I just knew I was going to be in trouble when school started back. But of course I wasn't and when I did come in to meet her she was as pleasant as she is now. When I decided to go back to school at age 45 not only did she encourage me to but, she actually help me when I didn't understand! She truly has a heart for God and his people!!!  

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Love you
Julia

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I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. Jolley....of her support, her guidance, her wisdom, her love of family, her passion for children and for teaching, and her unwavering faith.  You've impacted my professional and personal life in so many ways.  You've helped me grow into a better teacher and a better person.  I'll always be eternally grateful for my years here at Delmae.  Happy Principal's Day!  I love you!!!
Lisa Benton

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Back in 2007 I had an internship at Delmae and then student taught here that fall. I had several internships/observations at other schools, but no other school felt as welcoming as Delmae. I remember seeing the love Mrs. Jolley had for her Delmae babies. I also saw how she supported her staff members as well. I graduated that December and ended up taking a job at another school that January. In the back of my mind I always knew that I wanted to teach at Delmae. I am so glad I got the courage to put in for a transfer and was lucky enough to be hired! 

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Back in 2007 I had an internship at Delmae and then student taught here that fall. I had several internships/observations at other schools, but no other school felt as welcoming as Delmae. I remember seeing the love Mrs. Jolley had for her Delmae babies. I also saw how she supported her staff members as well. I graduated that December and ended up taking a job at another school that January. In the back of my mind I always knew that I wanted to teach at Delmae. I am so glad I got the courage to put in for a transfer and was lucky enough to be hired! 

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Lindsey Herring

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Mrs.Jolley is amazing! She has encouraged me every day to become the teacher I am today for my students. Her words of inspiration and encouragement help me to have faith to lead my students each year to be the BEST they can be. Thankyou Mrs. Jolley for your leadership and your loving heart.Happy Principals Day!

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Mrs.Jolley is amazing! She has encouraged me every day to become the teacher I am today for my students. Her words of inspiration and encouragement help me to have faith to lead my students each year to be the BEST they can be. Thankyou Mrs. Jolley for your leadership and your loving heart.Happy Principals Day!

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Lisa H.

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Mrs. Jolley is the most loving person. She loves you, prays with you and takes care of you. I remember not long ago a close friend passed away and she took time out of her day to check on me and pray with me. It was just what I needed. I am so thankful for the family she has built here with all of the staff.

Caroline Johnson

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I appreciate how important family is to Mrs. Jolley and how she always encourages us to look our for our families first and take care of them and ourselves first. I love her love for Jesus Christ.

Stephanie Walz

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What stands out to me is Mrs. Jolley’s  caring and compassionate heart when it comes to anything having to do with family emergencies. She is always the most understanding about any situation having to do with family. Any time I have ever come to her with a situation, it has always been answered with an emphatic, “Go!” Her unwavering support and faith are a true blessing.
Marie Brown

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I have many wonderful memories with Mrs. Jolley, but the memory that sticks out the most is her showing up to the hospital while Lawton was in the PICU. She carried with her a huge basket of things we could use while we were at the hospital and kept telling me to focus on Lawton that my class would be taken care of. She checked in daily on Lawton and let me know that she was praying for us. She is truly a wonderful person who leads by example. She never asks anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself. She is kind and compassionate. I have learned so much from her and am just so thankful to work under her leadership!

Love you!

Amanda Porter

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I was invited to the end of the year dinner the year that I was hired to come to Delmae. I was blown away by the warmth that permeated the room as everyone celebrated the place that had brought so many beautiful memories. I knew that Mrs. Jolley had cultivated that type of school culture, along with so many others on the team. I cannot say exactly what drew me to Delmae Elementary initially. I didn't know even Mrs. Jolley very well, but I KNEW that I needed to be under the leadership of Mrs. Jolley. I have so many memories of Mrs. Jolley, but most of them include me simply sitting back observing how she leads our school with excellence and love. Mrs. Jolley has influenced my life in so many ways, and I know that I am better because of her leadership.
Mrs. Jolley, you are a priceless jewel to us. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this family.
With Love,
Nadia Bull

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I could tell of so many memories of how Mrs. Jolley has always supported me with students, parents and in my personal life with my family. When I was told over the phone at school that my son had cancer, she immediately came to my rescue with her comforting hug. She reminded me that God is in control and we would get through this together. She rallied everyone to support us through this daunting journey with prayer and love. Thank you, Mrs. Jolley for being such a  wonderful leader of our Delmae family.                                                             Fran Farmer 

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I could tell of so many memories of how Mrs. Jolley has always supported me with students, parents and in my personal life with my family. When I was told over the phone at school that my son had cancer, she immediately came to my rescue with her comforting hug. She reminded me that God is in control and we would get through this together. She rallied everyone to support us through this daunting journey with prayer and love. Thank you, Mrs. Jolley for being such a  wonderful leader of our Delmae family.                                                             Fran Farmer 

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After teaching 16 years  in middle school where the learning pace is much faster, i expected elementary kids to do the same.  I always asked Mrs. Jolley to coach and train me the way she needed me to perform.  I have never feared asking for her advice.  She frequently would tell me to slow my pace down.  Less is sometimes more Mrs. Chapman.  Slow and steady can win the race.  You have pushed me into programs and teams and made me believe that i could do it, and do it well!

The year that I received the book from her called, “The Dash” was life changing.  I reflected a great deal after reading that book about the impact I can make everyday in the classroom.  What will I be remembered for when my time on earth is done?  What will my Dash represent on my tombstone? This sounds like a weird story, but it has been a powerful change in my life.  Each year I have worked in this school there has been a special theme or movement to make is better teachers and life learner.  For that I say, THANK YOU! I Love you, Debbie Chapman

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Mrs. Jolley has always emphasized family first. From minor sniffles to major surgeries and illnesses, she has always told me, “Take care of your family first.”  She loves us and out families as he own. This is why Delmae is so special to me because we all take care of each other.  ❤️
When I was expecting with Grace, I did not get a very good report at my last check up and was told to pack my bags because I was being admitted that afternoon.  When I went back to school, I was very upset and told Mrs. Jolley what was going on.  She gave me a big hug, prayed with me and told me to go and take care of my family.
Wendy Singletary

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One moment I will never forget is one Friday morning 2013 when  Perry called me at work to say they found a brain tumor on Katie's scan. I ran right to your office in shock and crying hysterically. You sat with me , prayed with me, and calmed me down. A few hours later you called me right after we saw the neurologist. I told you it was bad, very bad. Right after that you called the entire staff to the library to pray for my child. From that moment you made me believe in the power of prayer and taught me god was in control. You taught me family first. Thank you for allowing me to do that and to become the teacher I am today. Even when I didn't believe in myself you believed in me. Thank you Happy Principal's Day!
Amy Florio

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You have made the best memory of what support, encouragement, perseverance and unconditional love mean. Your way of always being aware of every detail to keep the staff taken into account is exceptional. My professional life has changed for better after I met you. Thank you so much! Happy Principal’s Day!!
With love,
Anelisa Garcia

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While there are many stories that could be told about how Mrs. Jolley's helped me grow, reflect, understand or simply guided me into the teacher I am today... the one story that stands out and has made the deepest mark on my heart is the time that I called her one morning to tell her I wasn't going to make it in because Nick had hurt his back somehow and could barely move so I was going to have to get him to the hospital.  I was pretty upset because we don't have family down here and I hadn't been in Florence very long so it was just the two of us and I was scared trying to get him there on my own.   By the time we got to the hospital, they acted like they knew we were coming.  It was weird until they told us that a certain Roy Ann Jolley had already been there in the emergency room trying to find us.   SHE BEAT US THERE!   I don't know if I ever mentioned it afterward but that moment has stuck with me to this day and always has meant so much to know that I mattered enough to her to get to the hospital first thing in the morning trying to find us and make sure we were okay.    She's always said 'Family comes First'... but what she means is that WE are a family, too.   I am forever grateful for her compassion.   Happy Principal's Day!!!  You are loved!
-Jenifer Koch

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I have a few moments with Mrs. Jolley. I guess our favorite is when one of the students was very upset with me, she came to the room to see if she could get him to calm down. While she's talking to him he was trying to make me upset. He called me every name in the book, but I kept working like he wasn't talking about me. The look on Mrs. Jolley's face was priceless. It took everything in her to not laugh at that child. I appreciate Mrs. Jolley's willingness to help at anytime. There's never been a time that she's been to busy, so her office is my second home. Thank you for your leadership. Happy  Principal's Day!!
Isabella Montgomery

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So many memories....When I first read the email about honoring Mrs. Jolley, I thought...ok, this will be easy....but as I started thinking about what event or moment I would write about, I realized that would be a book. I have spent almost my entire teaching career under her leadership. Anyone that knows us is aware that we don't always agree but I I know my time at Delmae is what made me the educator I am even when that happened. Not only has she imprinted my professional career but my family.... especially the raising of my children. I remember her telling me...as I became hesitant for standing up for my child...that I was their best and most faithful advocate. Even when I have felt inadequate or ineffective, she has always reminded me that I give it all every day and and as long as I did what was best for kids, that's what mattered. No matter how many times we disagreed or had one of her courageous conversations, we have always been and will remain "sisters"!

Lisa Young

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I remember the day I met Mrs. Jolley at Delmae for the first time.
I was doing my observation hours with Carson. I was called to her office one afternoon. I was so nervous. But as soon as she started to speak I began feeling at ease because her body language was relaxed and her tone was pleasant. While we were talking a few students came in and Mrs. Jolley told the students that they were going to represent Delmae on this field trip. She asked them about the Delmae Character Traits and how they should comport themselves on the field trip. The students knew exactly what she was talking about and they named the traits and gave examples. The students left with smiles on their faces.
Being able to witness this was a gift for me. That day I learned what real leadership looks like.
Love,
Angelica

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I was working for Mrs. Jolley at Delmae in April of 2004.  I had just had Benjamin when three weeks later my father passed away suddenly.  Mrs. Jolley immediately stepped in and was so supportive.  She quickly ensured my students had what they needed so I could focus on my mother and my family.  The day of my father's funeral, in Sumter, I looked up and saw a row of Delmae  teachers and staff (during school hours).  I knew at that moment that she knew I needed my Delmae family at one of the lowest times in my life.  I coudln't imagine how she worked it out to allow all of them to be there.   Mrs. Jolley leads with compassion!  She has always known what I needed just when I needed it.  I will never, EVER, forget her support and love.
Ginger