Homecoming! It truly has been one for me!!!

One of the most exciting parts of my job is being able to be a part of high school sports. The Douglas Bulldogs have had a good season with 7 wins and 2 losses. It looks as though they are going to make the playoffs this year. At the home games, I have been able to stand on the sidelines and that has been so cool!!! Our new artificial turf is awesome!!! The facilities here are second to none as far as I am concerned.
The week before Fall Break was Homecoming Week. Lots of festivities happened all week. On Thursday, the annual Homecoming Parade was held with each class sponsoring a float and the Homecoming Royalty presented. The whole town turned out for the parade down G Avenue. The air evac helicopter started the parade out by flying down G Avenue. I was a judge and got to sit on the upper deck of the Gadsden Hotel. Seeing all of the floats brought back memories of high school when we had two floats being built in our backyard one year and my Uncle Johnny giving up his truck and helping us with the floats!! Teresa went with me to watch the parade.It had been suggested when I interviewed for this position, that maybe I would want to be in the parade with my trike and the pugs. Needless to say, I didn't volunteer for this and no one remembered and I am thankful for that. However, my friend, Lorie who teaches at Gilbert El and is from Douglas, thought it would be funny to try to get one of her friends who is a teacher down here, to decorate my trike. Fortunately, the staff still doesn't know me well enough and know my sense of humor, so she wasn't willing to go there. She did bring the box with the decorations over and I did put them on my trike for some pictures for this post. So thanks, Lorie!!!!
After the parade, a bonfire was held out by "D" Hill. The Douglas Police and Fire Departments were on hand to assist. The kids were all pumped up and I even got to address the football team!! ONCE A BULLDOG, ALWAYS A BULLDOG!! The parents cleaned up the "D" on "D" Hill and lit it. It looked great!!! (Look carefully at this picture.)
The whole town has been excited about the team. Last Friday's game was filled to capacity. Douglas and Amphi were both undefeated in league play. Unfortunately, Amphi came out on top, but the Bulldogs played a good game!!

Small towns have such great traditions. I had forgotten about so many of them. I continue to feel blessed to be a part of all of this. It has truly been a great experience all the way around for me.

NAPO--My new signature statement!

At the end of September, I was contacted by KGUN television out of Tucson to do an interview. Of course, I am always a bit nervous when the media is involved. I have had a lot of experience with reporters trying to twist what has been said, and trying to make a story!! I didn't think this would be any different, but it was the first time that I have been interviewed and filmed. The reporter and the cameraman came to my office and we spent about 15 minutes "chatting." It started out okay...... The reporter then tried to get me to say something about what had happened previously in Douglas. I was very careful and didn't go where he was headed. I truly felt that he wouldn't ever use the story because it wasn't negative enough. Well, last Thursday it was aired on the 10 o'clock news. I didn't know about it so I wasn't able to see it. However, several people said that they felt it was very positive!!

I got an email from a friend who lives in Tucson over the weekend. She told me that she saw the news and was going to have a pin made for me that says NAPO (NOT A PUSH OVER)!!!! So this is going to be my new signature.....................

Sheila Rogers, NAPO

New mood for a new school year in Douglas - KGUN9 On Your Side, Tucson News, Weather & Sports

New mood for a new school year in Douglas

Reporter: Joel Waldman

DOUGLAS, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Two tumultuous years. It's how many would describe the tenure of former Douglas Unified Schools District Superintendent, Earl Pettit. And, over those last two years, some in Douglas argued a few of its school board members acted more like the children it was supposed to represent.

But, now, many hope "a commitment to excellence", the district's motto, also includes the adults running it. There's a new woman in charge, Superintendent Sheila Rogers.

"I was a teacher, a director, a principal. I've never had any issues of any kind and I'm confident in my abilities to lead this community," remarked Rogers.

Douglas is a community Rogers knows well. Her grandparents settled in Douglas back in 1912 . And, Rogers was raised there too. "I attribute who I am today to being, having grown up in Douglas. And, when I found out this superintendent seat was opened, I felt like it would give me an opportunity to give back to the community that gave me a whole lot," said Rogers.

It's a community that went through a whole lot. Douglas is still healing from the fallout of a nasty battle between former Superintendent Earl Pettit and two current board members, President Chuck Hoyack and member Patricia Lopez. A third, embroiled board member, Ed Rivera, has since resigned.

The frequent verbal smack downs, along with at least one other administrative leave, and a slew of board agendas aimed at picking Pettit apart, ultimately led to his firing six months ago. Pettit, in return, slapped the district with a multimillion dollar lawsuit.

"At this point we still don't really know why Mr. Pettit was targeted? Do you have any idea why your predecessor was targeted?" KGUN9 asked. "I have absolutely no idea!" said Rogers. "And you don't care to know?", KGUN9 pressed. "No, I want to move forward," replied Rogers.

"Do you think the root of the problem with Mr. Pettit and Mr. Hoyack was really just a personality conflict?" KGUN9 asked board member Mario Ramos, Sr., " That's something only Mr. Hoyack would have to answer himself. I don't even want to try to think what the problem was," replied Ramos, Sr..

Some suggest it all started over Stevenson Elementary and its' ELL, or English Language Learners' program. There was a virtual mutiny against it, led by principal Rafael Orrtiz. But, when Pettit called him out on the state mandated program, others, like board President Hoyack started to call Pettit out.

It's a situation the new superintendent tells us is all smoothed out, "I've read a directive and some information from the state department on it. And everything I understand now is fine and they are absolutely following the directives the state department has given us in terms of what we need to do at Stevenson and all the elementary schools in Douglas," said Rogers.

Some say Rogers' was picked because she could be easily picked on by the school board. But, it's a suggestion both she and the board say is silly, "I asked the new superintendent if she was a push over and she said no, do you see her as being one?" KGUN9 asked. "No, I don't think so. She got position because we thought she was best qualified person," added Ramos Sr..

"He (Pettit) ran a tight, tough ship. Do you think you were chosen, in part, because you're a soft person, who can be pushed over easily?" KGUN9 asked. "No, I cant be pushed over easily. But, I have a completely different approach. I do not have a military approach," said Rogers.

A quieter Commander-in-Chief of Douglas schools who hopes to make her voice heard in the classroom, not the boardroom.

Las Vegas Wedding

Last weekend (Oct. 16), we attended the wedding of Paul Rush and Beth Hunt in Las Vegas. Paul is the son of my cousin, Pat. The wedding was small, but oh so nice and so much fun--as always when we all get together!!

We arrived in Vegas on Friday and stayed until Monday. Teresa, Kerri, Patrick and I represented our family. Of course, Teresa never misses a family event!! Friday night Pat had the rehearsal dinner at Buca de Beppo. Lots of stories were told and lots of good times were had.
Paul is a wonderful young man who did such an awesome job of helping Pat take care of his dad, Phil. Phil died almost 2 years ago--in January. I have written a lot about Phil and his wonderful sense of humor. Phil didn't want to miss all of the important events so he was there in spirit, as well as in another form!!! Beth is terrific and is such a perfect match for Paul.
As has become a family tradition, we all danced to Tequila Sheila at the reception. I have decided that this rite of passage has to happen in order to bring the couple good luck--besides that, it is always fun!!!

I always enjoy being around my cousins. I have really missed my Phoenix cousins since I have been down here in Douglas. They have always been just a half hour away and we got together often.

Congratulations to Paul and Beth and thanks for the great weekend in Vegas. Lots of great memories were made!!

PS--Next time you see Marion, ask her about what mnemonic device she used to remember her room at the hotel!!!!!!

October Memories

Wednesday (October 6) was the eighth anniversary of my mom's death. Today (October 8) would have been her 93rd birthday. It doesn't seem possible that is has been eight years.

Being in Douglas brings back so many memories of her. So many people tell me how much they liked her or tell me a story about her. Even after eight years, she has not been forgotten by so many people here in Douglas.

I know that she would be very pleased that I am here with Teresa. I think that is the only thing that is missing for me is to have her know about this move. I really do believe that she does know and that she had a hand in bringing me down here!!

Last school year, I remember having a conversation with a sixth grade boy who had just lost his mom. I remember telling her that it didn't matter how old you are, losing your mom always hurts.

Every year we have had a tradition of going out to dinner somewhere around this time and telling stories about her. "Those we love are never really gone, as long as their stories are told." I will be in Gilbert this weekend and I hope that we can all go out to dinner and continue this tradition. It is important to me for many reasons--one being that I want Cameron to have these memories of her.

She was a wonderful lady with a great sense of humor and a belief in giving back to the community she lived in. I learned a lot from her and even now, I think I am still learning. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her and miss her and feel fortunate to have had such a great woman as a mom and a role model.

Happy 93rd, Mom!!!

Pug Survivor Douglas Edition--Latest Transgression

The latest edition of "Pug Survivor--Douglas Edition" has added another chapter. Since Pedro was deported in August, things have run fairly smoothly. Pancho was here successfully for most of August and September. He and Lucy loved the front yard and Pancho truly learned to bark only when it was necessary.

Early in September, Pancho returned to Gilbert and Diego came down to see how he could do for a few weeks with his naughtiness. He has done a fairly good job, and Teresa has become quite fond of him, as she did Pancho. On Monday, she went for her first drive in her car since breaking her wrist. Her cast is off now and she decided she was ready to get back on the road. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous. However, she decided to drive to the bank and do a few errands. Diego and Lucy were very excited and got into the garage and jumped into the car with her. At least Diego jumped into the car. She had to help Lucy get in. Diego (who Teresa calls James because she can't remember his name) was in the front seat, happy as a pug can be. They went to the bank and then drove to a few more places. I can only say that I think our black pugs may now be white after that nail-biting experience!!!

Anyway, every morning when I come down after getting ready for work, I put the pugs out for a bit. When they come in, they immediately run to get in bed with Teresa and get as close to her as possible. Of course, Diego (aka James) always has to run up and walk on her head and lick her face. She is actually enjoying the attention.

Tonight when I got home from work, I found out that Diego may have committed a "faux paux" actually worse than Pedro's barking!!!!! Teresa went to physical therapy and when she came home, she couldn't find her rosary. She looked everywhere, and guess what?????? Diego/James took it off of the table and chewed it up. Well, there is probably no worse crime than can be committed!!!!!!!

When I mentioned the Douglas/Agua Prieta Shuttle, she said absolutely not. She would not allow him to go back that way. Oh my gosh, what have our pugs done to my dear Aunt Teresa? Can she possibly be falling under their spell?

Stay tuned to the latest news coming out of Douglas and Pug Survivor--Douglas Edition!!!!!!

Summarizing September!

September has been a very busy month for me. Even though I have been busy and have had a lot going on, it is a different kind of "busy" down here. The first exciting weekend was actually at the end of August when the football season kicked off down here with the 106th meeting of the Bisbee Pumas and the Douglas Bulldogs. This is one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the U. S. It was exciting as it was also the inaugural game on the new turf at the football stadium. Cameron came down for the game was very excited to be able to go out on the field with me before the game and then sit on the sidelines during the second half as it rained quite hard!! Unfortunately, Douglas lost to Bisbee and also the lost the "Copper Pick" for the year!
The week before the game, I got a call from the Fire Chief asking for permission to have the fire department on the baseball field so that the firefighters on duty could watch the game! Of course, I said yes!! Then he asked if the local med evac helicopter could do a fly-by in honor of the helicopter team that had been stationed here in Douglas. The helicopter crashed near Marana in August and all were killed. The fly-by was awesome!

Labor Day brought a wonderful weekend up at the cabin with family and friends. The weather was wonderful and the creek is absolutely beautiful and full of water. Did have one little accident when a
root jumped out of the ground and tripped me. I feel flat on my face and had quite a bruise on my chin!
I have been anxious to get settled in here at 858. It has taken almost the whole time I have been here to get things ordered and in place. I had to order a new bed and furniture for my room upstairs and get rid of some of the old furniture. There is still a lot to go through from 93 years of continued occupancy in the same house!! Then the room needed to be painted, which took another bit of time. (Things move a bit slower down here.) I wanted to get a television upstairs, but found out Cox doesn't have HD down here. It took quite a bit of convincing (plus buying a new television for downstairs) for me to convince Teresa to go with Direct TV and a satellite dish on her roof. Thank goodness they put it on the roof of the garage.

When I ordered the bed, I measured the area where I wanted to put the bed. I am not much at decorating or seeing how things fit, and the bed actually fit where I wanted it in the nook in the front bedroom. What I forgot to do when I measured it was to measure to see if I could get into the bed!! When it was finally delivered, I had the guys put it in the nook. They didn't say anything to me and put it there. Well, I could barely get into it--plus it is a bit high!! The first night I slept in the bed after sort of squeezing and jumping into it. I got up in the night for just a minute, and when I went to get back in the bed, SOMEHOW I fell between the bed and the wall. Since the bed was truly squeezed into the space, I couldn't move it and I was literally wedged between the wall and the bed! I knew that Teresa would not be able to hear me fall and I usually leave before she gets up so I wasn't sure how long it would end up in this very uncomfortable position! The best part is that the pugs looked down from the bed at me, but then laid back down and went back to sleep. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to be rescued by our district security person when I didn't show up the next day. It would be a bit unflattering way to have to be saved, so to speak. I was finally able to crawl backwards (which is quite difficult) and get out of bed. The day after work, I called Mary's nephews and they came and moved the bed for me!!!!!

September 16 is a very big holiday around here as it is Mexican Independence Day. This year was the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. The Mexican Consulate asked to have a display of artwork at the district office from around the world depicting students' interpretations of these events. These came from children all over the world. We had a little celebration with the Mexican Consul and Board Members just prior to a Governing Board Meeting. One problem that we will have to address for next year is that we had very high student absenteeism on September 16.

One afternoon about 3:30 I was in my office and received a call from a former student from Gilbert. He is a seventh grader this year and was in the Autism program. I absolutely love this young man and was so touched that he called me. It absolutely made my day!! I promised him that I would go visit him the next time I am in Gilbert.

Last week, I got out to an elementary school and to one of the middle schools. At the middle school, I went to each classroom and introduced myself to the students. It was so awesome and the kids were great! I got to several classes at the elementary school, also. I am going to go to two school each week and I am very excited about that. I told the kids that after all of the years that I have been in education, I always could go out and see kids in a matter of minutes. Now that I am at the district, there aren't any kids right there and I really miss that!!

On Thursday I had a visit from a reporter from a Tucson television station. He came to do an interview with me as the new superintendent. He did a lot of reporting on the previous problems here in Douglas and tried every way he could to trip me up. It was nerve-wracking to say the least, but I have had enough experience with reporters and that helped. The only difference this time is that I was being filmed. I am hoping that it won't even be aired as there wasn't anything "inflammatory" with what I said.

This weekend I went to the cabin again with my friend, Carol. It was another relaxing weekend and everything was beautiful up there. I love being able to go up there whenever I want as it is just an hour's drive. I intend to spend a lot of time up there!! (A little side story about that is that I haven't had a bathroom upstairs as things sometimes move slowly in Douglas and we had to get it repaired. So it was nice to finally have a bathroom, even though it was an outhouse!! Came home to the new bathroom upstairs--thank goodness!)

Last Thursday I was invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony and then to the VIP tent for the Cochise County Fair. I would have gone no matter what, but that invitation was special to me. My mom was very involved on the Fair Board for many years and was still on the Board when she died eight years ago.

Diego is here now having relieved Pancho who went back to Gilbert after several weeks. Of course, Lucy is here all of the time. They love being in the front yard and seeing everything that is going on in the neighborhood.
Can't believe that I have been down here two months now. Every day I realize what a great move this has been for me!! I think Teresa is enjoying having me here and I know that my being here is really a good thing for her. She is doing very well, but she is 88!!

I always think of the quote that my dear friend, Wally Delecki, uses often--"Life is either a daring adventure, or it is nothing (Helen Keller)." Who thought this daring adventure would occur at this point in my life??? I am so glad that it did!!

Keeping the Faith

Over the course of the years, there have been times that I have questioned my faith. I think that this is something that happens to everyone. Even Mother Teresa had questions. The last few years in the Phoenix area, I have had a hard time with some of the philosophy that has come down to us from the Bishop. His conservative political agenda has been discouraging to me. I have always wondered what my mom would have done if this had been the case when she was alive. She had such strong political views as well as strong views about her religion. I know that I have had many discussions with my cousins about this. We are fortunate to have Franciscans in our lives who look at life so differently. I remember when I was in college in the 60's. It was the priests and nuns who were protesting the Vietnam War as well as championing the Civil Rights Movement. It seems that some of that has been lost recently.

Since I have come to Douglas, I have noticed a very different philosophy. Douglas is in a different Diocese from Phoenix. There is nothing overt that I can really point out. It just seems that there is more of an acceptance of differences in people and all of God's children.

I have said before that I thought the emotional part would be leaving the wonderful school I had been at with the great staff, families, and children. And it has been. However, being down here in Douglas has also been very emotional. I have posted about that before. But it has also been a spiritual experience for me.

When I first got arrived in Douglas, I received an email from Sister Ann Patrice. She was the principal of Loretto School when I went there over 45 years ago. I thought the world of her and had kept in touch sporadically over the years. Her email said:

Dear Sheila,

Art Atonna and Jerry Reidy very kindly let me know about your new position in Douglas Public Schools.

Congratulations on your new appointment! I am confident that you will fulfill this new challenge with wisdom, courage, and grace. Your generosity in leaving what I understand to be a comfortable and secure position to accept one that will have unique challenges, confirms in my mind that you have what it takes to make a difference in the lives of our children and families on the border. Most of all, your faith will be your firm foundation. God's children--and we all are that--deserve caring and effective leadership, which I know you will exhibit. I still have very fond memories of Loretto and the people of Douglas.

Sheila, I promise my prayers for you. Moreover, I will place your name in the Book of Intentions in St. Catherine Chapel here at our Adrian Dominican motherhouse. Please give my love to your family and save lots for you.

Peace, love and prayers,
S. Ann Patrice Remkus OP


I cannot explain how touched I was to receive this email from her. We have corresponded since and I feel privileged to have her in my life again.

Last week, my assistant superintendent and I went to the funeral of the husband of one of our district teachers. As we were driving down 15th Street, we passed St. Luke's Church which is the parish that our family has belonged to for over 55 years. The pastor was walking out with two other men. Bonnie, my assistant, said that one of the men was the Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson. She had met him when he came down to say the Funeral Mass for Rob Krentz, the rancher who was murdered down here last spring. The funeral mass was at the Douglas High School Gym and Bonnie was the principal of the high school at the time. We pulled over and went to talk to Bishop Kicanas and Father Gilbert. The Bishop remembered Bonnie. He was down here for the opening and dedication of an abused women's shelter that was just built here in Douglas.

So we took him and Father Gilbert on a tour of Douglas High School. The kids were so excited to see him and to see Bonnie. Staff members came up and introduced themselves. We went to a couple of classes and the high school students were incredible. We went to a culinary arts class and the Bishop told the students that he is a vegan and asked if they knew what that meant. They did. Right after that, we went to the special ed class with the more involved students. They also do some work with the culinary arts class. Several of the students knew Father Gilbert and were excited to see him. The kids were also glad to meet the Bishop. One student who had been drooling came over to say hi. His teacher wiped his mouth with a cloth and the Bishop walked over to him and shook his hand and talked to him!!

Needless to say, I was "blown away" by the whole experience. I called my Phoenix cousins to tell them about this and of course, called Teresa.

Today when I got to my office I had a card in my mail. It said, "Sheila, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to give me a chance to visit Douglas High School. Economic challenges have made your important job even more difficult. Our community needs strong educational leadership. Thanks for your service." Gerald Kicanas.

These two experiences have had a profound impact on me. I truly believe that things happen for a reason. I did not expect to see some of these reasons in quite this way. I feel blessed!

Yesterday when we took Cameron to Tucson after he spent the weekend here, we met Kerri, Judy, and our friends, Paula and Marty for dinner for Kerri's birthday. When Teresa and I left to drive back to Douglas, we saw the most beautiful rainbow with another one next to it that was faded just a bit. This rainbow was there for over an hour of our drive. It was so beautiful and I believe had a message.......