“Math was never my strongest subject. Just thinking about it made me nervous. But this all changed after my year in Mrs. Rolfe’s class.

Mrs. Rolfe is honestly the smartest, sharpest person that I have ever met. Her efficient and clear teaching paired with the fun and friendly atmosphere of her classroom made math not that bad. She pushed students to work harder and learn to learn, which are such valuable skills to have. Her Try Questions, which were harder questions that she gave at the end of a lesson, made students work together and turn their brains inside out before finally finding the solution. I can still remember the warm pride and satisfaction my classmates and I felt when we would figure out a difficult problem.

She always took the time to answer any questions people had. I’d often be confused about something, so I’d go up to her desk. She dropped what she was doing to patiently explain whatever I didn’t understand, sometimes more than once if I still didn’t get it. Mrs. Rolfe’s class taught me the importance of asking questions, since the class went at such a fast pace and my confusion would only snowball if I didn’t clear up a question I had.

One day, someone said “I’m so stupid, oh my gosh” because he couldn’t work out a question. Mrs. Rolfe looked at all of us and said, “Don’t say that. No one in this class is stupid.” She said that everyone can all improve if they put in the work. This meant more to me than I think she knew. At the time, I was struggling in the class and was feeling down about myself. To hear a teacher and an adult say to us that we were all smart and had the power to change ourselves was so comforting and kind that I actually almost cried.

When I walked into her classroom in the J-building, I would feel at ease. Students would be happily drawing on the whiteboards on the sides, talking with friends or talking with Mrs. Rolfe before the bell. In class, especially during Try Questions, seat partners and even people who’d never spoken before would help each other out in the name of math. Mrs. Rolfe would sometimes talk to us about her life in China as a high schooler and give us some sage life advice.

I really admire Mrs. Rolfe, especially for her work-ethic and drive. She’d meticulously explain complicated concepts to us in class, grade tests and quizzes at lightning speed, and pick up her kids after 6th period. Because of her, I got over my fear of math and grew more confident in my skills in math and in school in general. Mrs. Rolfe taught me how to study, how to learn, and how to improve. I think she’s amazing and am very thankful that I had her as my teacher!” —Anonymous, Pow Wow

“Although all teachers deserve an award for their dedication, time, and hard work, Ms. Rolfe deserves the most grand award of them all. She is a teacher who truly cares about her students and never disappoints them with her teaching. All students appreciate Ms. Rolfe, whether she knows it or not (us students sure hope she does!). She is extremely hardworking and is always open to helping out other students, even during her free time. Students have never seen a teacher who is so caring and devoted to her students and quality of teaching. Ms. Rolfe genuinely stands out among all teachers; she is kind, smart, compassionate, patient, and most importantly, she is someone students can trust. There is never a time that students feel bad in Ms. Rolfe’s class. Without hesitation, she cheers up her students and makes an effort to connect with her them better. Her students are never neglected and she exhibits her attention to each and every one. All students would agree that she is one of their best math teachers because she is consistent and passionate with her teaching. There will never be a lesson that students do not totally understand because she will do everything within her reach to help him or her. Her notes are extremely organized and easy to understand and she teaches students tricks to make math easier and more entertaining. Furthermore, she challenges her students to push their academic career and understanding to the high level through creative ways such as “try questions”.

Students will never be able to thank or repay Ms. Rolfe for every single thing that she has taught them, whether it be a lesson on Descartes’ Rule of Signs or how FAIL translates into a person’s First Attempt In Learning. Every student is able to take something from her class: a math lesson, life lesson, or a great memory. In addition to being the greatest educator, Ms. Rolfe is also the greatest and most hilarious “savage”, as most students like to call it. Students aren’t sure how she does it, but she comes up with the most witty responses to the untolerated nonsense in her class. She knows how to regulate and keep students who slack under control, a trait that is often looked past within a teacher. Because of this, she makes her classroom and safer and more welcoming environment for students who are interested in learning. Ms. Rolfe, from the bottom of everyone’s heart, us students hope you know that you are undoubtedly the most amazing teacher of all time and will continue to teach for many more years while spreading your wit, wisdom, and academic knowledge.” —Anonymous, Pow Wow