Mike Gilbert now knows why his wife, Jan, did not look forward to retiring from teaching someday.
Working to complete the outdoor nature classroom at Gomez-Heritage Elementary has shown him why she loved making a difference in children's lives.
Jan Gilbert, 57, died after suffering a heart attack at work in December. She was a teacher for 25 years.
At Gomez-Heritage, she was a reading specialist and taught English as a second language.
Her memory lives on in the new open-air classroom that will be named for her.
Mike Gilbert, who is retired, said working at the classroom is bittersweet.
“I love being a part of it,” he said. “It means a lot to me and my kids.”
He thinks of his wife when he's working. Often he thinks of how proud she would be of the progress. Or when something turns out well, he thinks, “Gosh, I know she would really like this.”
A few dozen people worked Thursday to finish a brick retaining wall where flowers will be planted. A recently completed stage sits to the side, waiting for the finishing touches of stain.
Before Jan died, Mike helped out when she asked him to, cutting logs for the children to sit on and building a birdhouse.
The couple were avid gardeners, and Jan thought it was important to expose children to nature at a young age.
Lately, Mike has been at the South Omaha school every Saturday and multiple times during the week. Staff and parents join him, and sometimes his four children help.
Meredith Gilbert, 29, says working in the outdoor classroom is therapeutic for her father.
“It's a good way to remember her and honor her memory and the things that were important to her,” she said.
A sign bearing Jan Gilbert's name will be constructed from cedar trees and hung above the entrance.
Mike Gilbert said his wife would be embarrassed to learn that the classroom was being named in her honor.
“She didn't know how special she was,” he said. “She wouldn't like the attention at all. She was very humble.”
Principal John Campin said a dedication ceremony will be held in the spring, when the sign is finished.
Campin said Jan was a patient and calm person and loved the outdoor classroom for its relaxing atmosphere.
“She knew this would be a great place for kids to learn,” Campin said. “In the city, kids don't have the opportunity to go out and explore and learn.”
Campin said the space is used daily.
Kindergartners planted a pumpkin patch in the spring, and when they return in the fall the pumpkins will be incorporated into their curriculum.
Carrie Beach, a third-grade teacher at Gomez-Heritage, said Jan Gilbert helped motivate others with her “we can all do it” attitude.
Beach is reminded of that positive attitude when she works in the outdoor classroom.
“It's nice that something will live on here for Jan's memory,” she said.
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