The beloved Barbara Feeter is retiring after a decade at Rachel Carson Elementary School.

For nearly 22 of the 24 years Barbara Feeter has worked for Montgomery County Public Schools, flamingos have been her “thing,” and her June retirement will leave a less colorful space for greeting students, staff and guests. Most of 100-plus collectibles have been gifts from students and co-workers, and each one is her favorite, she said.

“I remember who gave me every item,” said Feeder. “There’s a story or memory behind them.”

For the past decade Feeter has worked as support staff at RCES. She spent 14 years before that at other MCPS schools as well. That means she’s seen thousands of kids come and go and is still struck at the gentle nature of children.

“I’ve learned a lot about how sweet and caring kids can be, it’s amazing how they’re reacting to my retirement,” she said. “Even a first grader stopped by to tell me how she’ll miss me.”

Over the years Feeter watched her flamingo collection grow, but she also kept a close eye on “Rachel,” a mama duck who for eight years made her nest in the school courtyard pond in the springtime. Every year Feeter cared for Rachel, and the school community watched as Rachel’s ducklings were hatched, spent a few days in the safety of the pond, and then were taken to nearby Inspiration Lake by city of Gaithersburg staff.

This year Rachel didn’t come. Chep believes it’s because she knew Feeter was retiring. “I guess they decided to retire together,” he said.

Feeter has enjoyed her time at RCES. She has developed a close bond with co-workers — especially Brenda Long — and thinks highly of her boss Larry Chep, the school’s principal. “Larry is a wonderful principal; he creates an atmosphere that works.”

When you’ve been doing something for 24 years, the thought of not doing it certainly comes with some trepidation. However, when new life experiences will include staying up late and visiting her 3-year-old granddaughter anytime she want, the decision to retire seems right for Feeter.

“We wish her all the best in her retirement and hope she enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle — she’s earned it,” said Chep.

It’s difficult to imagine the front office without Feeter’s famous pink flamingo display, which has grown to more than 100 flamingos in all forms from stuffed animals and ornaments to snow globes and decorative tableware.