GLORIA JANZ MANNFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHER OF YR

Just two days before the Christmas break Miss Janz was unknowingly overtaken by COVID! A Type-1 diabetic (about 7 years ago Gloria contacted the flu from a student – the flu attacked her pancreas) Miss Janz made sure to vaccinate and assumed she had the stomach virus that had gone around her elementary school when she finally went home sick on the Wednesday before break. She still had several Christmas projects left for her 2nd grade class to do so was hesitant about leaving.

Thursday morning before 8:00 the phone rang at Gloria’s sister’s home in Inola. It was Mannford Elementary calling to say that they had not heard from her nor had she reported for work that morning. Gloria’s brother-in-law, Scott Walton, immediately called Tulsa Police Department and reached their son Joe who was in Tulsa. Both arrived the same time and the neighbor was able to open the door with Gloria’s key. They found her unresponsive on the floor, where she had been for about 12 hours. Her body temp was down to 80 and they found later though tests that her blood sugar had reached as high as 1000! Several hours later after being transported to St. Francis Hospital the news came that she was positive for COVID. At home alone on Wednesday evening she had not been able to control her sugar as she always had been, unknowing that she had COVID.

After a 14-day stay in the hospital Miss Janz began recovery at home. She was able to return to her classroom February 16. COVID has damaged her vocal cords so at this time she uses a microphone to speak to her students!

Shortly after returning to the classroom Miss Janz was selected as Mannford Schools Teacher of the Year, a deserving way to end a 40-year career all at Mannford 2nd grade.

FUNDRAISER!! Over the years Miss Janz, a single never-married female, has spent thousands of dollars on “her children”. She has always had to supplement her income with after-school jobs that have enabled her to do this. Each year she gives “her children” as many in-room activities and experiences as possible. We would now like to thank her for her dedication to so many children over the years by helping her financially with the medical bills accrued!