Memorial tree for teacher Memorial tree for teacher (September 15, 2004)

A mulberry tree will be dedicated to the memory of Portola Valley teacher Joan Damm at 3:30 p.m. Friday, September 24, at Ormondale School.

Her plans to travel and write children's stories in her retirement were cut short when she lost her battle with cancer on August 1, 2002.

Anyone interested in attending this remembrance is invited to meet at the the bus turn-around at Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass. Afterward, there will be a no-host gathering at Buck's restaurant in Woodside.

During her 32 years in the district, Ms. Damm taught in all three of Portola Valley's schools -- PVS (Portola Valley School), Corte Madera and Ormondale. She retired from the district in 2000. Most recently she taught kindergarten at Ormondale. Earlier she taught sixth and eighth grades.

"Joan was a child's advocate," said colleague and friend Earlyne Mund. "She loved her students and her job, and she is greatly missed."

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