Sunday, August 19, 2012

Taking a Stand

President Theodore Roosevelt said many years ago, "....the man (woman) who really counts in the world is the doer, not the mere critic--the man (woman) who does the work, even if roughly and imperfectly, not the man who talks and writes about how it ought to be done."

This quote caused me to truly reflect as to what is most important.   And it has caused me to change my mind on something that is very important to me. 

On Friday, I   blocked my blog so that only certain people could read it.  I sent an email to all of my   family and friends explaining to them that I had felt violated because of a certain person who   took something I wrote and only used part of a sentence.  I also posted something on Facebook that I was going to block it without going into much detail.   

The response I have gotten has been unbelievable with the number of people who would like to have access it.    

After much thought, I have decided that I will not be bullied into doing this.  I have written from my heart since I started this blog.  I tell stories of family and of things that happen.  I write about people who mean much to me and their stories.  I write about the humorous things that happen.  I do not write about the many difficult challenges that I have in my job and I am very careful about what I write because I know that anyone has access to it.  Because of that, I was astounded that someone could take a part of a sentence and use it against me.  If that person had written the entire sentence, it would have changed the context.  And if anyone took the time to go back and read all of my postings, I would hope that they would see who I am as a person.

I started this blog when Patrick and I went to Ireland in March of 2008.  I had truly forgotten how much I love to write.  So much of what I have dealt with as a principal and as a superintendent are not things I can write about.  For much of my administrative career, the writing I have had to do is technical of nature.  This blog has given me an outlet to write about things that I feel are important in my life.   

As educators, we teach children about bullying.  We do everything to put a stop to it and to also teach children about not being a bully, not being bullied, and not being a bystander who watches the bully in action and does nothing.  I need to practice what I preach!!  So those of you who knew my mom, know that I have much of her in me.  So I am going to take a stand and no longer be bullied.   And having this blog back where it is available for anyone to read, is the first step. 

I feel as though the first two years here in Douglas were years of getting things in order so that we could move forward.   I am truly proud of the accomplishments that have been made.  And I intend to see  and be a part of what has been started  for the next three years.  I came to Douglas two years ago hoping that I could make a difference.  I feels as though I have brought a lot and we are heading in the right direction in so many ways. I have a wonderful administrative team both at the District level and our school principals.  Our teachers and staff are wonderful.  And I could not have picked a better Assistant Superintendent who was here when I came. Together, we make a terrific team and collectively, our principals, teachers and staff have shown that children come first in Douglas.  The only way that could change is if the Governing Board decides that they don't like what I am doing.  And that has not been the case so far.

I will conclude with another quote that I have always liked.  It is from Edmund Burke.  He  said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

My intention is to "continue to do SOMETHING!" 


6 remarks:

~M said...

Amen!
I love both of those quotes!
You have been a mentor in spoken and unspoken ways to me through out the years. I always enjoy reading your blog. You always have a way of reminding us how important our job as educators is. I also enjoy the Scott family history too! Thank you!

Carol Dunton said...

Bullies are people who try to knock others down to their level in order to try to feel good about themselves. It rarely works in their favor. It is a sad way to spend one's time and energy.

Sheila, your integrity is without fail. You are a blessing to me in so many ways-your support, mentoring, good times spent enjoying life! Douglas is your home and the leadership that you bring to its schools is just what the leaders were looking for two years ago.

Yor blog is a wonderful place to visit. Writing is one of your many gifts and I am thrilled that you will continue to let your friends and family enjoy your talents and views of life! You have hundreds of supporters behind you! We stand with you against bullies. Remember...
"let the beauty we love be what we do.". - rumi

Carol

NP said...

Way to go Sheila ~ I'm proud of you! Some people just have WAY too much time on their hands. Keep up your great work!
Love & hugs,
Nancy

Patty said...

Sheila,
I really enjoy reading your blog and I'm glad you've decided to continue it. Also, it was great visiting with you the other day. :)
~~Patty W.

Kerri said...

I totally agree with Carol, keep on writing. It's your right and freedom as dictated by the Constitution. I think the 2nd Amendment, if I'm not mistaken.

As Alice Walker says: For in the end, freedom is a personal and lonely battle; and one faces down fears of today so that those of tomorrow might be engaged.

Keep on posting and engaging. That's what it's all about.

Jessie said...

Sheila,

You are a remarkable women and I have the utmost respect for you and your family. I enjoy reading you blog and I understand what it means to you. As you know I have my own blog and it is an outlet for me from the everyday. Keep your blog going because it is loved by many.