Jan Grenko-Lehman

These halls are alive with the sound of laughter

The halls of Grant Wood Elementary often ring with the howls of Jan Grenko-Lehman’s laugh. And there's often no reason at all.

“I can’t hide too many places,” the physical education teacher said. “With my co-workers, usually there are things throughout the day we can find humor in. We put our spin on it.”

Grenko-Lehman grew up in Cedar Rapids and joined the Iowa City School District in 1990. She’s served as Physical Education Coordinator for the district since 1994 and has taught at Grant Wood since 1999.

She also coached softball at City High, but gave it up as her kids grew up and got more active themselves. Ryan is a fifth-year senior track runner at Northern Iowa, Tyler is a freshman at the University of Iowa, and Kye is a sophomore at City High.

She’s gotten back into coaching recently, however, serving as the sophomore coach for the Little Hawks.

“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed,” she said.

— Jon Klinkowitz

Iowa City Press-Citizen -- March 12, 2009