In the Spirit of Sue Fund
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Region 10 Make a Mark has created a fund in memory of former member and Region 10 teacher Sue Geissler. “In the Spirit of Sue” funds are earmarked for the student support teams and school counselors to purchase items for students in need at all 4 Region 10 schools. This idea arose because MAM learned that Sue would go to the high school counseling office on a regular basis, offering to purchase yearbooks, dance tickets, supplies, etc. for any student needing assistance. The well-being of students was a top priority for Sue. Make a Mark is honored to have had Sue as a dedicated member for so many years. We are humbled by her generosity and wish to help spread the kindness of Sue’s spirit at the schools where she spent countless hours making a difference.
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More About Sue
On May 5th, our school district lost a passionate, strong warrior in Mrs. Susan Geissler. Sue had courageously battled brain cancer for the past three and a half years.
Sue began her career at Harwinton Consolidated before moving to Har-Bur Middle School. An incredible educator, Sue was named Region 10’s Teacher of the Year (TOY) in 2014. The TOY selection committee lauded Sue for her “ability to realize that all children learn differently.” This understanding of student’s needs was the reason she created a before-school math club for 5th grade students who needed extra help. As Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fan, Sue affectionately referred to her students as the “G Street Band” and had a “Band Member of the Week,” helping foster a feeling of community in her classroom.
She was married for over 25 years to her husband, Steve, and the mother of three sons - John, Andrew and Matthew. Family was the most important thing to Sue. When she wasn’t teaching, she was cheering on her boys at their athletic events at Mills, throwing themed parties at home, dancing, exercising, and enjoying her family and their vacations at the Cape.
When Sue’s tumor returned, she had Bruce Springsteen’s words, “No Surrender,” tattooed onto her arm. Sue did not surrender. Her friend Maria Gorski said it best, “Sue’s diagnosis never stopped her to continue to educate, support and inspire her students. Sue had a special calling toward education. Continuing to improve upon her talent, she pursued her 092 administration certificate, even as she battled cancer.” This is one of the many reasons that, in the fall of 2020, Sue was honored with a “Courage Award” by the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance.
Har-Bur Principal Joe Masi stated, “I believe a person's value during their time on Earth can be measured by the amount of people they impacted. Sue positively impacted countless students and staff in Region 10. Her legacy lives on in each of those people, and we are better for having known and worked with her.”
Sue began her career at Harwinton Consolidated before moving to Har-Bur Middle School. An incredible educator, Sue was named Region 10’s Teacher of the Year (TOY) in 2014. The TOY selection committee lauded Sue for her “ability to realize that all children learn differently.” This understanding of student’s needs was the reason she created a before-school math club for 5th grade students who needed extra help. As Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fan, Sue affectionately referred to her students as the “G Street Band” and had a “Band Member of the Week,” helping foster a feeling of community in her classroom.
She was married for over 25 years to her husband, Steve, and the mother of three sons - John, Andrew and Matthew. Family was the most important thing to Sue. When she wasn’t teaching, she was cheering on her boys at their athletic events at Mills, throwing themed parties at home, dancing, exercising, and enjoying her family and their vacations at the Cape.
When Sue’s tumor returned, she had Bruce Springsteen’s words, “No Surrender,” tattooed onto her arm. Sue did not surrender. Her friend Maria Gorski said it best, “Sue’s diagnosis never stopped her to continue to educate, support and inspire her students. Sue had a special calling toward education. Continuing to improve upon her talent, she pursued her 092 administration certificate, even as she battled cancer.” This is one of the many reasons that, in the fall of 2020, Sue was honored with a “Courage Award” by the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance.
Har-Bur Principal Joe Masi stated, “I believe a person's value during their time on Earth can be measured by the amount of people they impacted. Sue positively impacted countless students and staff in Region 10. Her legacy lives on in each of those people, and we are better for having known and worked with her.”
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