7 Mile Memories

Detroit’s Greenfield Union Elementary School. Photo by Andrew Jameson/ Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License

The teachers who shaped a generation

By Crystal Kassab, Ed.D.

The start of a new school year is a nostalgic reminder of our days as youngsters. Those who lived in the Penrose neighborhood of Detroit, now known as Chaldean Town, and more affectionately known as “7 Mile” among Chaldeans, spent their days in the neighborhood schools, learning English, playing outside, and porch-hopping around the block.

In this special look back, our beloved 7 Mile teachers share their memories from their days at Detroit Public Schools (DPS).

Rabiha Antone
Year Started: 1967
Retired: 2005
Years of Service: 35
Last Role: Teacher’s Aide and Community Liaison, Greenfield Union Elementary School

“I was the first Chaldean there as an education technician,” says Rabiha. “In those early days, the Chaldeans were newcomers, and other kids didn’t understand them or where they came from, and neither did the teachers. They would hurt the kids’ feelings, yet I was happy to defend the Chaldean kids. I encouraged the teachers to foster compassion in their classrooms, but they, too, did not understand. That was mostly in the ‘70s and ‘80s until things changed. I even encouraged the parents to learn, so DPS opened an after-school adult education class at Greenfield Union. I would stay to help teach and translate. We also wanted to educate the parents.

“My favorite part of the new school year was seeing the kids come in on the first day; it made me so happy! I remember we would hold a yearly Chaldean Day event where the kids would teach others how to dance and put on a play. All the teachers got involved, too. There would be all kinds of foods, people coming in with “distyatha” (pots) for the whole school. I miss it because that was a special day.

“I spent all 35 years at Greenfield Union, taking a little bit of time off for maternity leave when I had a baby. I was there so long, people would call it ‘Mrs. Antone’s school’! I was so involved that sometimes they would just assume I was the principal. I still see former students and their families, whom I love and who love me. They never forgot me, and I never forget them, either. They are such beautiful memories.”

Karim Bitti
Year Started: 1977
Years of Service: 35
Retired: 2012
Last Role: Science Teacher, Pershing High School

“When you are a good and honest person, you can make a difference in the lives of the younger generation,” says Karim. “Peer pressure is high, and societal challenges are difficult for teenagers. Every one of them has a story to tell and a dream to live, and as a teacher, I was in a position to help increase their self-esteem and help them actualize those dreams. This is what I love to do.

“I remember one time at Nolan Middle School, I had a girl who was having some problems with her family, especially her father. Just typical teenage issues, like not listening to her parents, stuff like that. It was causing a strain on the whole family. I brought them in for a meeting to solve the issue. Things improved, and to this day, she thanks me for it. I had the power to affect a positive outcome, and this, for me, is a great memory.

“Each of these students is a worthy child in front of their parents, and so, for teachers, they become your responsibility in the classroom, too. Be respectful and mindful of that. You are there to make a difference, so make sure your involvement is for the good of all.”

Nidhal Hakim
Year Started: 1975
Retired: 2005
Years of Service: 30
Last Role: Education Specialist, District-wide

“Teaching was very meaningful to me because I had the opportunity to work with students from many different backgrounds, including a growing number of immigrant families,” says Nidhal. “For five of those years, I served as the assistant principal at Greenfield Union Elementary School. This position gave me the opportunity to work not only with students but also with teachers, parents, and the broader school community.

“One of my most cherished memories from my career was watching a Chaldean newcomer student who excelled in every subject become the valedictorian of his graduating class. Seeing him achieve such a remarkable accomplishment made me extremely proud. Today, he is a medical doctor, and one of the things that means the most to me is that he still checks on me periodically. That continued relationship reminds me that a teacher’s impact on a student can last a lifetime.

“Another great joy has been attending different Chaldean community functions and

unexpectedly seeing former students. Many of them have gone on to hold important positions in medicine, education, business, and other professional fields. Seeing them succeed and knowing that I played even a small part in their journey is one of the greatest rewards of my 30 years in education.

“Educating a child means addressing the whole child—not just academic achievement but also confidence, communication, relationships, and a sense of belonging. When I look back on my career, I don’t measure my success only by the positions I held. I measure it by the lives I touched, the students I encouraged, the teachers I supported, and the families I helped. Knowing that many of my former students are now successful professionals and leaders—and that some still remember me—makes me feel that those 30 years were truly worthwhile.”

Galia Thomas
Year Started: 1978
Retired: 2004 (from Warren Consolidated Schools)
Years of Service to DPS: 15
Last Role in DPS: District Testing Coordinator

“I spent five years at Nolan Middle and 10 years at Pershing High,” says Galia. “It was the best! The kids were so eager to learn when they arrived here in the US. They learned so fast, and it was rewarding to see them become seniors ready to graduate. We even had Chaldean valedictorians. The bilingual students were very bright, and they made it into the National Honor Society (NHS). I was very proud of their accomplishments.

“George William, the principal of Pershing High, was very supportive of the Chaldean community. He would always pick me to go with him to events. He was like a father figure to me since I was very young, in my 20s. Even took my dad with me to school to meet him. He liked him very much.

“Teaching is tough nowadays, but you have to be a role model. And for the kids: work hard and always try your best.”

Samira Jabero
Year Started: 1982
Retired: 2010
Years of Service: 28
Last Role: Bilingual Teacher, Greenfield Union Elementary School

“I retired in 2010 after a rewarding career as a bilingual teacher, where I had the opportunity to work with and support many wonderful students and families,” says Samira. “What I enjoyed most was seeing the difference I could make in my students’ lives. It was rewarding to see how much my students could improve their learning skills in a short period of time. Watching their growth and knowing I helped them succeed was very meaningful to me.

“One of my favorite memories was preparing for the Arab and Chaldean Month, and seeing the entire school become involved. It was wonderful to see the community come together and share their generosity, including bringing food that represented their different cultures. It created a strong sense of community and celebration.

“My advice to teachers is to recognize and understand the individual needs of your students. Every child is different, and students need your patience, encouragement, and love. When teachers truly care about their students and support them, they can make a lasting difference in their lives.”

These teachers’ memories are more than stories from a bygone era. They offer a glimpse into the important role that 7 Mile area schools played in helping a generation of Chaldean children find their place in America while remaining connected to their culture and community. These teachers taught far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic; they encouraged, advocated, translated, mentored and, in many cases, became lifelong connections for the students they served. Decades later, the accomplishments of their former students—and the memories they still carry of their teachers—are perhaps the greatest testament to the lasting impact of those 7 Mile school days.