Residents at The Hamptons of Tyler aren’t just staying active—they’re making an impact. One resident, a former Tyler ISD Physical Education teacher, recently returned to the classroom at Bonner Elementary School to co-teach a PE class. Students stretched, ran, and moved under her guidance while families cheered them on. This was more than a workout—it was a hands-on lesson from someone who knows how to get kids moving.
The event was part of The Hamptons’ Miracle Moments program, which offers residents opportunities to enjoy experiences beyond their daily routine. By bringing her teaching skills into the school, the resident helped students practice coordination and teamwork while sharing a little energy from the senior living community.
See Francis’s Visit to Bonner Elementary
During the visit, Francis reunited with a former colleague in the school gym. They shared memories, stories, and the origins of the Bonner Jammer’s track meet tradition:
Francis: “As soon as I got out of college, and that was when I was older,” she jokes, “I went back to school to become a teacher. I wanted to be a PE teacher. That was the love of my life.”
Former teacher: “We met in ’98 while I was subbing. She asked, ‘You want a job?’ and I was like, ‘Yes.’ So in ’98, I joined the Bonner family. Seventeen years in PE, and then I made the switch.”
Francis: “Dr. Mac was here, and he was a good friend of mine. He told the nurse he had hired someone his age, and the nurse told him, ‘She’s too old!’ He said, ‘You don’t know her.'”
Francis has a long history with Tyler ISD and initially started a track meet tradition that continues to this day. Returning to the classroom gave her a chance to pass along that tradition and expertise to a new generation of students, showing how residents can continue to inspire and influence the community.
Rob Jones, Executive Director of The Hamptons of Tyler, said, “Returning to a classroom, seeing students focused and active, and sharing that moment with families is a rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to see residents like Francis share their knowledge with the next generation, creating meaningful connections across generations.”
The story caught the eye of CBS19, highlighting how a Tyler resident can step into a school and make a difference in students’ learning while keeping the energy high. Read the full coverage here.
Experience Active Living at The Hamptons of Tyler
At The Hamptons of Tyler, residents find ways to share their skills, stay active, and try new experiences every day. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care designed to match each resident’s lifestyle. Schedule a tour today to see how residents enjoy lively, hands-on activities in Tyler, TX.