Your heroes are right in front of you...

I got a report of a fight on the playground while I was away at a district meeting. Standard protocols ensue, call to parents, and a promise to investigate upon my return to my office.

Upon my return, I find on of the two 3rd grade boys who went at each other over who was faster in a foot race. On the surface, a typical scuffle right?

While waiting for Dad to arrive, Seth (name changed) tells me about his Dad's return from surgery, how excited he is to go camping so that they can get out of the shelter for a spell, and how he's having trouble with his Mom. She's been knocking him down "...a lot more than usual." Now...I have to call the police.

I'm informed that Dad is up front, Seth leaves, quickly returning with tears in his eyes and a staff member in tow, paramedics have been called, Dad's having a heart attack in the front office.

Contrary to stern advice, Dad refuses transport to the hospital, citing trouble with his wife hitting the kids - so police arrive and Seth tells me now Mom's really gonna go off, while Dad is informed that he needs to follow through with a restraining order by 9 a.m. the following morning.

Dad rises and walks little sister and Seth out the door, refusing a ride or a bus pass. Seth smiles at me and promises to do better.

I check on him the next morning and he asks me about anger management classes. "I've got a lot going on Mr. Sharp, maybe I need some extra help. I want to take care of my family."

Seth, buddy, you're my hero.

Onward!

Dr. J

Comments

1.5 Reasons to Take a Different Path - The Hippy-Cow Way

The Hippy-Cow Way I remember early in my career asking a question something like, "Why don't we try [insert idea here]?" And the quick reply, "Because this is the way we've always done it." Wow. 2020 is teaching us that the way we've always done things..does not work. Yeah. The age-old rut that can trap us all. Frustrating isn't it? As a child growing up in the Aspen Valley, I remember traveling many miles along Highway 82. Glenwood to Carbondale, then to Basalt, and on to Aspen. Two lanes most of the way, it was and is the main route connecting all of these Rocky Mountain towns. The drive can be breath-taking in the Fall. And most take this route because, well, it's the route we always take. It's familiar. Safe. Known. Well traveled. You get the idea. There are other ways to get where you're going. Roads less traveled that hold great sites and great reward. One of my favorites is the Hippy-Cow Way. Known only to our fam...

Prayer for an Educator

It's rare to sit in the staff lounge for the 30 minute lunch break we get and be able to reflect on one's career. Today was one such day...causing a flood of memories. I offer this prayer for educators May you have protection when you do the home visit on the little girl who's father beat her with a 2x4 for getting a C. May you have wisdom when consoling the teacher who gave her the C. Go with courage to sit next to the little girl who all alone weeps at the lunch table because she has lice. Teach her mother with tenderness. Be vigilant when the little boy describes the cigarette burn on his eye given him by his mother because he complained he was hungry. Hold fast at the 9 o'clock hour, still at school prepping for another day, while your own children go to sleep not having seen you all day. Have wisdom when all at home is falling down around you - and you know the children at school need you now more than ever. Be with joy when t...

Panicdemic Data - We Can Open Schools

10/13/2020 UPDATE The Great Barrington Declaration . You probably haven't seen it since Google and Reddit shadow banned/censored and salted it with climate denial subterfuge. Bing for the win, since they played it straight. This science driven, thoughtful petition - initiated by highly recognized Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford epidemiologists - signed by 7,000 medical scientists and 15,000 medical practitioners. Science is real, remember? Here's a key part: " Current lockdown policies are producing devastating effects on short and long-term public health. The results (to name a few) include lower childhood vaccination rates, worsening cardiovascular disease outcomes, fewer cancer screenings and deteriorating mental health – leading to greater excess mortality in years to come, with the working class and younger members of society carrying the heaviest burden. Keeping students out of school is a grave injustice. Keeping these measures in place until a vaccine is availab...

Principles of Principals

Search This Blog