As we enter the second semester, we’ve received news that our beloved Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Sucheta Thomas, will be stepping down from her position at Verrado High School at the end of this school year. She will be relocating to North Carolina, hoping to continue her teaching career at another school. Mrs. Thomas has been a part of the Verrado community since the school opened, and we’ve been fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring teacher who introduced us to the fundamentals of chemistry.
Mrs. Thomas teaches Chemistry, Honors Anatomy, Honors Biology, and SOC1080 College Courses, which means she has handled a lot over the years. She shared, “I usually don’t do a whole lot of work in the evening, and I rarely work on weekends unless I miss something during the week. That’s when I catch up.”
As she looks forward to the next chapter of her life in North Carolina, Mrs. Thomas is excited to be closer to her family, particularly her son, grandbabies, and daughter-in-law. She says, “I’m looking forward to being closer to them.”
In her chemistry classroom, Mrs. Thomas has created a space that makes learning both fun and engaging. Over her 15+ years of teaching, she has sparked inspiration in countless students, encouraging them to pursue careers in chemistry and beyond. Reflecting on her impact, Mrs. Thomas explained, “I want students to understand that it’s not about me; it’s about the skills they need to succeed. If they can apply what they’ve learned in this class to other subjects, whether in science or another area, that’s what matters most. My focus is on skills-based learning that prepares students for the future.”
One of Mrs. Thomas’ fondest memories at Verrado has been the field trips, particularly her AP trips to San Diego. She fondly remembers the four days and three nights spent with students, immersed in hands-on learning about the environment. “It’s a great time to relax, enjoy, and relate what we’re learning in class to the real world,” she says.
The relationships Mrs. Thomas has built with both students and fellow teachers have been some of the most rewarding aspects of her time here. “I’ve made lifelong friends with teachers, some of whom have moved on, and I still keep in touch with former students. Some of my first students are now teaching in the U.S. themselves.”
We have been truly fortunate to have had Mrs. Thomas as a teacher. Her dedication has touched the lives of so many. If you’ve been in one of her classes—or even if you haven’t—please take a moment to wish her a heartfelt farewell and thank her for all she’s done for our school and the many lives she’s influenced over the past 15 years.
