For nearly three decades, students walking through the doors of Hamilton Community Schools have been greeted by a familiar smile, a positive attitude, and a reassuring voice from Brenda Moomey.
Whether she was welcoming students at Bentheim Elementary or encouraging children each morning at Hamilton Elementary, Brenda built a career centered around one simple mission: making kids feel loved, supported, and excited to come to school.
“Greeting the kids in the morning is just a fresh new start to every day,” Brenda shared. “Doesn’t matter what happened the day before. It’s just a fresh new start.”
After 29 years serving Hamilton Community Schools, Brenda is retiring — leaving behind a legacy of kindness, consistency, and care that has impacted generations of Hawkeyes.
Brenda began her career at Bentheim Elementary, where she worked for approximately 18 years as a paraprofessional. Later, she transitioned to Hamilton Elementary, where she spent the past decade serving students in multiple roles, including behavior interventionist and district substitute coordinator.
“I want them to feel excited to come to school, happy to be here,” Brenda said. “I want them to know that we are happy they are here and that we’re going to make it the best day ever.”
Her roots in Hamilton run deep. Brenda attended Hamilton Community Schools herself, graduating in 19833 and later raised her own children in the district as well.
“My kids attended Bentheim,” she said. “When the opportunity came up, it worked out well with our family schedule and I thought, ‘Yeah, this is a great opportunity.’”
What started as a job quickly turned into a lifelong passion.
“I’ve always been interested in teaching and reading in particular,” Brenda explained. “That role was just a great fit for myself and for our family as they were growing up.”
Throughout the years, Brenda became known for the positive energy she brought into the building every single day. Students, staff members, and families alike have appreciated her calming presence, caring heart, and willingness to support anyone who walked through the doors.
As retirement approaches, Brenda describes the emotions as “bittersweet.”
“My husband’s retired. I have five grandsons,” she shared. “What it really came down to was time. I just want more time with my family, some flex time to do some traveling, and just pick up some of those hobbies.”
Even as she prepares for this next chapter, leaving Hamilton Community Schools will not be easy.
“Thank goodness the last day is a half day,” Brenda joked emotionally. “I’ll probably just go home and have a good cry for a little while. Got to mourn that loss.”
Still, she remains excited for what lies ahead and confident that Hamilton will always remain part of her life — especially with one of her grandsons currently attending Hamilton Elementary.
“I really don’t feel like I won’t cross through those doors again,” Brenda said with a smile.
As she reflects on her career, Brenda hopes her final message resonates with students, families, and staff members alike.
“I want to leave Hamilton saying thank you, thank you, thank you for this opportunity and for the opportunity to continue learning,” she said. “I never want to stop learning. Listen and learn and never stop doing those two things.”
