After 28 years of teaching at FC, the sunny shores of San Luis Obispo call video productions and physical education (P.E.) teacher Scott Callisch to depart from the school and pursue a new line of work: The Flip Flop Shop. Callisch spent his last day working at FC, Oct. 21.
The franchise will be opened on Higuerra St., San Luis Obispo, and at Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno, in 2013. According to Callisch, the venture is both a fresh endeavor and an opportunity to earn money.
“It seemed like the time to try something different, a new challenge,” Callisch said, “plus I have to make some money to pay for my kids’ college.”
Having known Callisch since his years at FC, ’09 alumnus Andrew Rurik envisions The Flip Flop Shop as a suitable setting for Callisch.
“I think his new excursion is very fitting,” Rurik said. “He always seemed laid back and I know he and his family spent a lot of time at the beach, so for some reason, as much as Callisch and a coach’s sweatsuit go hand in hand, flip flops make just as much sense.”
FC’s salute to Callisch
For Principal Todd Bennett, Callisch’s departure is effective from the perspective of a parent in addition to the perspective of a principal. Despite the change, Bennett maintains a positive attitude toward Callisch’s new project.
“When Mr. Callisch first told me he was resigning to pursue a business venture, I was disappointed as the school principal and as a parent,” Bennett said, “but at the same time happy for Mr. Callisch as he embarks on a new and exciting chapter in his life.”
After graduating from FC in ’91, Chris Schultz went on to become a colleague of Callisch. Between the positions of a student, teacher and coach, Schultz has learned from Callisch in many ways, especially in the realm of athletics.
“Scott was one of the best teachers that I had the privilege to be around,” Schultz said. “His ability to take difficult tasks and make them seem doable was always one of his greatest strengths. As a basketball coach and as P.E. teacher, Scott could help kids improve theirs skills.”
Throughout their time working together, Bennett has observed Callisch’s interaction with students, and admires his abilities in athletics and media.
“Mr. Callisch is an outstanding physical education teacher,” Bennett said. “He is very organized, and enthusiastic about teaching students P.E. skills that will last a life time. The units of study in his P.E. classes are always fun and interesting and Mr. Callisch does an excellent job motivating and encouraging students to participate. He is also a great video productions teacher. His ability to encourage, supervise, and manage students with creative independent projects is invaluable.”
During her freshman and sophomore year, Jessica Healy, ’13, was under the direction of Callisch in her video productions class. Although she is no longer in the program, she recognizes the multitude of lessons that she has gleaned over the years.
“When I found out that Callisch was leaving, I was actually stunned,” Jessica Healy said. “There’s been so many things he’s taught me. His narration during P.E. classes; the classes will never be the same without that. Video productions class was one of my favorite classes, his never-ending sense of humor will be greatly missed.”
Likewise to students valuing Callish, he has most come to value time with his students through his years at FC.
“I couldn’t possibly begin to talk about the time I’ve spent here,” Callisch said. “It has been over half my life. But I can say the thing I will miss the most is the daily interaction with the students.”
Alumnus Eli Williams, ’00, retains memories of the legacy that Callisch held in his FC positions, even over a decade ago.
“By the time had I graced the hallowed halls of Fresno Christian, Callisch was not so much a teacher but rather an institution,” Williams said. “My older brother and all his friends had had him and even in junior high we all knew of Callisch. He wasn’t just the PE coach or basketball coach. He taught those things, but they were really just the vehicles that he used to personify those fundamental values that Fresno Christian stood for; hard work, dedication, perseverance, fairness, integrity.”
According to Williams, Callisch adopted his teaching career and molded it into a unique learning experience. Callisch’s style went beyond techniques, and stretched to incredible dedication, Williams says.
“Callisch didn’t have text books but he taught these lessons by example and we are all better for having studied under him,” Williams said. “It wasn’t a day job for Callisch, it was a lifestyle. I am sure the ability to wear mesh shorts to work on a regular basis totally sweetened the deal for Callisch, but I doubt you can show the sustained commitment to an institution and its students in so many diverse roles over such a long period of time unless you believe you are a part of something bigger.”
From his time as a student to years as a teacher, Schultz has kept hold of influential moments. As a former figure of the FC athletic department, Schultz appreciates Callisch’s contributions.
“Whether its teaching me how to juggle in eighth grade or yelling at me for being late to a team practice as a senior to hanging out in a Denny’s in San Diego while coaching together, Scott has always been influential in my life,” Schultz said. “Scott has faithfully served Fresno Christian for many years and while its sad to see him go, I’m grateful for all that he contributed to the school and the P.E. and athletic departments.”
Recognizing Callisch’s range influences on FC, Bennett most values Callisch’s balance of commanding respect and providing good humor and entertainment in his classes. In addition to this Bennett recognizes Callisch’s long-term contributions to FC.
“I will miss Mr. Callisch as a teacher, but the thing I value most about him, is his dedication to our students and his ability to bring humor into the classroom while always maintaining a respect for the individual student,” Bennett said. “Scott has a great sense of humor, and a very keen perspective. I will miss the sense of stability that Mr. Callisch brought to our staff. He was one of the few bridges from the past to the present.”
Considering Callisch’s work, Williams sees no equivalent individual.
“Fresno Christian is immeasurably better for having him and hard-pressed to fill his shoes,” Williams said. “If Callisch had a jersey, Fresno Christian would be well advised to retire it because there is only one Callisch.”
For more information on FC teachers, read the Sept. 30 article, Lifelong ambition motivates math teacher (VIDEO).
