September Summaries

It has been awhile since I have written anything on my blog--almost a month.  A lot has happened in this past month, but not necessarily things I can write about here!

We usually spend Labor Day weekend at the cabin.  It has become something of a tradition with Kerri, Cam and various friends.  However, this year Cave Creek is still closed because of the fire.  Teresa and I did go up a few weeks ago and it is amazing what rain can do.   It was very green and things are really starting to come back.  However, the massive amounts of rain have caused the creek to change course in many areas.  You can tell where the water has made a new route.  It was just good to see that there  was not damage from flooding at the cabin.

Because Teresa was gone, I had to figure out someplace that was "pug friendly" if I wanted to go anywhere over the weekend.  I did find several places that would accept pets.  The only problem was that the pets have to be very good--no barking, don't get up on furniture.....all of the things that my pugs do!!  I finally decided upon the Triangle T Guest Ranch in Dragoon.  So the pugs and I loaded up and headed to Dragoon which is about an hour from Douglas.  It is in a beautiful spot called Texas Canyon right off of I10 between Willcox and Benson.  The rock formations are amazing!!  The ranch is great with horses and ranch dogs and a saloon right in the middle.  However, the pugs aren't exactly ranch pugs and they didn't take too kindly to being on a leash when the other dogs (and horses) weren't.  We ended up staying just one night because of this.  I would like to go back with Cam as I think he would love the ranch---minus the pugs!!!

September brings the Arizona School Board Association's yearly law conference.  School law is a huge field and I find myself talking to our school's attorney on a regular basis.  The law conference is excellent with much pertinent information.  Bonnie, our assistant superintendent, two of our Board Members, and I went to it this year.  It was at the Camelback Inn which is a beautiful resort.  The highlight of this year's conference was being able to hear Sandra Day O'Connor speak.  What an incredible lady she is!! She is feisty and a hoot to listen to.  She told a story of getting to see Eleanor Roosevelt when she was a young girl.  Justice O'Connor grew up in southeastern Arizona on a cattle ranch.  She went to school in El Paso and the first lady came for a visit.  She talked about how much charisma Mrs. Roosevelt had.  Then she shared how she never told her father that she had met and admired Mrs. Roosevelt because her father was a rancher who never liked President Roosevelt.   

She also shared about her time in the Arizona Legislature.  She told us that she often would have a barbecue at her home with legislators from both parties.  She said that eating and having a beer together enabled them to work together to solve problems in Arizona.  Too bad it isn't that way still!  

She talked about the fact that we aren't teaching our students about government.  She has a website that she has created that allows kids to go on the site and play games to learn about civics.  The website is http://www.icivics.org

We were all excited to see Justice O'Connor.   Bonnie was the most excited because both of her sons are lawyers in California.  She wanted to get a picture of the Judge to send to her sons.  Well, it got even better than that!! I had gone out to get some water at a break and when I came back in, Justice  O'Connor was sitting in the back of the room.  I quickly went to where we were sitting and got Bonnie and my camera.  Justice O'Connor was gracious enough to let us take a picture with Bonnie.

I have had many wonderful mentors in my professional life over the years, especially Leona Shreve and Wally Delecki.  I have learned so much from them in so many ways.  When I moved to Douglas a little over a year ago, I knew I could always call or email them with a question.  However, I have been fortunate to have a great mentor down here in Ray Borane.  Ray has been a long time family friend and was my high school Spanish teacher.  He was the superintendent in Douglas for many years and has a middle school named after him.  He was also the mayor of Douglas for about 12 years and has held positions at the state level in education, as well as advisory boards.  He was the interim superintendent prior to me getting the job.  This past year he has helped me immensely.   A few weeks ago, we were talking about how much different being a superintendent is today.  I have to be involved in every aspect of the district.  Because we are in school improvement, there are a lot of tasks that I have to be involved in that are required by the state and feds.  He offered to continue to help me, but we needed to do it in an official capacity.  So at the last Board Meeting, Ray was hired as a "special assistant to the superintendent" for the whopping sum of $1.00 per year!!  One of his many duties and one that keeps him quite busy is his being a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council, Southwest Border Task Force.  And as I told him last week, this makes me feel important--his two BOSSES are Janet Napolitano and me!!!!

There has been a world of difference between this September and last for me.  With a year behind me, I feel much more confident in my ability to be able to do some great things for Douglas Unified.  We are back into the swing of the school year and I am looking forward to some wonderful accomplishments this year!!!

An Incredible First Day

Douglas Unified School District welcomed all of our staff back on August 3.  All faculty and staff came together at the newly named James A. Brenden Auditorium.  We started a new tradition by having a slide show of all 25 year employees.  Because this was a first, we had to catch up and honor all of those 25 years and more.  We will be honoring all of these long time, loyal employees at a Board Meeting in the near future.

Last year when everyone was back, I had only been on the job for  a very short time.  What a difference a  year makes!!!  

This year I gave a short speech because we had a wonderful speaker following my address.  Last December, I attended the Arizona School Board Association conference on servant leadership.   We had two excellent speakers.  I have written about one in an earlier entry, the author of the Paradoxical Commandments.  He was excellent!

However, the second day's speaker was probably the most incredible motivational speaker that I have ever heard, and I have heard many over the years.  Her name is Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch.  In all of the years that I have ever attended conferences and have heard great speakers, I have never been so moved by someone that I actually stayed to try to talk to her.  And I was able to talk to her and she was amazing!!


Consuelo grew up on the border in Texas.  So much of what she said had true meaning for me even though I am not Hispanic.  What she said truly touched my heart.  When I talked to her, I told her I was from Douglas.  I told her that I would love to have her come to Douglas and talk to our staff.  She promised me that she would.


When I got back to Douglas, I contacted her company.  Consuelo is one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S.  She is a retired officer in the U.S. Army and was on track to becoming a general.  She promised her mother that she would give back to the Hispanic community and so she retired from the Army to start her company.  Needless to say, she is able to command "big bucks" for her services.  DUSD doesn't have big bucks so I didn't pursue her coming after I found out the cost.  In about March, her assistant called me and asked if we still wanted her to come to Douglas.  I told her of course but that we couldn't afford her.  Well, Consuelo was true to her word about wanting to come to Douglas.  We negotiated  the price and I can tell you that she truly gave us a deal!!


I was so excited about this that I immediately sent a message to our Governing Board.  One of our Board Members is the County Manager.  He made arrangements for Consuelo to talk to his supervisors and the City of Douglas and the Chamber of Commerce asked her to speak to parents and members of the community.  


She was AMAZING!!  We had an excellent turn out for the community night.  The next morning, Consuelo spoke to our staff.  It was UNBELIEVABLE.  Her message is so powerful.  What touched me the most was that she dedicated her talk to me!!!


I feel honored and privileged that this incredible woman came to Douglas with her message of hope.  She said that public education is the purest form of democracy.  She also said we have to save our children because they are the future.  


I had so many staff members tell me how much her talk meant to them.  They could truly relate to her and where she came from.  I am hoping she will come back to talk to our high school kiddos. 

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is my hero!!  I cannot begin to express my gratitude that she chose to come to Douglas!!  WOW!!!

I am putting a video of her on this post.  Please take a few minutes to listen to what she has to say.  Her message is one of hope and inspiration. (You can turn off the music on the playlist by hitting =)

"ONEderful" First Year"

It is hard for me to believe, but tomorrow I will welcome back all of the teachers in Douglas for the start of the 2011/12 school year!  It was one year ago July 26 (exactly one year  and one week) that I started this new journey in my life.  After 39 years in the Gilbert District, I returned home to Douglas and 858 14th as the superintendent of Douglas Unified.  

And what a first year it has been!!  Last year when I addressed everyone, I had only been on the job a few days and literally knew almost nothing about the job and what I was going to be doing.  What a difference a year makes!!!

I have learned so much  over the last 12 months and many, many ways.  There have been ups and downs, just like any other job anywhere.  I have reconnected with old friends and made new ones.  And I absolutely love the people I work with on a daily basis.  

It has been great being here with Teresa.  Since my mom died in 2002, it has sometimes been hard to come down here for a visit.  However, that has changed now that I am living in this wonderful, old home.  

The pace of life is so much slower here and that is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of a big metropolitan area.  The weather in this part of the state is, in my opinion, the best in the world.  We have the four seasons.  The summer monsoons are awesome.  It rains almost every day--with lightning and thunder.  Most nights I sleep upstairs with the window open and the fan on--no cooler at all.

I had forgotten some of the truly funny things that happen in the news in a small town.  I remember doing a post awhile back about some things that were written in the Bisbee paper that would NEVER make it into the Arizona Republic or the Tucson newspapers.   A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out the 14,000+ emails in my school computer.  As I was doing this, I was listening to the local radio station.  Every morning, there is a program called "The Trading Post."  People can call in and sell items, try to find items, or make community announcements.  A lady called in who lives in the valley (farming community).  She asked if the person who owned the cows that were walking around her yard, to please come and get them.   She said that the cows were thirsty and were drinking out of the kiddie pool in the yard.  And on top of that, the dogs were chasing the calves!!!  Needless to say, I had a little chuckle over this.  I was curious to hear the next day's broadcast to see if this same lady might be selling beef!

One of my favorite things is the number of inflatable swimming pools (not kiddie ones) that are in the front yards of people's houses.  There are two right across the street from the house.  It is great to watch the kids having such a good time in the front yard.

And a week ago Friday I knew I finally had arrived and was accepted back in Douglas.  During the day, I had two visits from different people.  This is unique to a small town (I think). The comfort level is different here and it is okay just to drop in for a visit or to ask a question.  That was how it was when I was growing up here, but it hadn't happened until recently!!

What an adventure this has been!! It is one that I would never have predicted would have happened.  I know that it is great for me to be here with Teresa so that she is able to stay down here, but I have to say that it has been just as much a blessing for me!!!

We will see what tomorrow will bring!!!

What Happens on a Cruise Stays on a Cruise!

Earlier this month, I went on my first ever cruise!!   Several months ago, my dear friend and former boss, Leona, asked me if I would like to go on this cruise with several people that I worked with through the years in Gilbert.  She was able to get a great deal for this seven day cruise--the only catch was that I had to join AARP.  Now I know how old I am, but I have dragged my feet on joining this organization and I am not yet retired!! Anyway, because it was in July, I figured it would be okay to go.  My "old" friend, Mary Larson was my roommate which was great for me.   

I flew from Phoenix to New Orleans on Saturday, July 9.  We were all staying in the same hotel that night.  I was able to spend some time in the French Quarter with Jill and George.  We had a great time!!

Sunday we all met out front and went down to the pier to get on the ship.  It was very interesting how they got everyone on board the ship in a fairly timely manner!

Since I don't get car sick, I figured I wouldn't get sea sick--wrong!!  The first night I was a bit queasy and it continued into the second day.  Got some meds and some wrist bracelets and was much better.  However, I couldn't look at the ocean with the boat moving.  That also went away--thank goodness.

The first day was spent at sea.  On Tuesday we arrived in Costa Maya, Mexico.  It was beautiful.  I decided not to do anything that day, but just walk around. 

Wednesday we arrived in Routan, Honduras, another beautiful place.  We did a tour of the island and saw some of the native dancers perform.  

Thursday was spent in Belize.  Mary, Judy, Tom and I went to a private beach and spent the day swimming and relaxing.   The water was great!!!

On Friday, we arrived in Cozumel.  The ocean there is absolutely gorgeous.  The shopping in Cozumel is suppose to be the best.  We walked around all of the shops.  I actually bought a very nice ring for myself and one for Kerri for her birthday.  I really  like Cozumel and would love to go back and spend some time there.

Saturday was another day at sea.  We arrived back in New Orleans early Sunday.   Since my flight wasn't until late, several of us went on a tour of New Orleans.  We saw the horrible destruction that happened with Hurricane Katrina.  They are STILL recovering.  The houses that they are now building are very interesting.  They are kind of on stilts.

Speaking of recovering, I am still recovering from a week of fun!!  It was back to work on Tuesday and it is has been BUSY.  However, it was great to get completely away--no phone and only one day of email.  

It was wonderful spending the week with such great old friends.   Thank you, Leona and Sam, for all that you did.  Leona really outdid herself.  Each morning we had a newsletter!!!  

It was great spending time with Mike and Dottie, Judy and Tom, Jill and George, Nancy and Wally, Brad and Liz, and some of Wally's and Nancy's friends. I had so much fun. 

Going on a cruise is definitely worth it and I hope to have another opportunity to do this in the future!!

The Cabin in the Chiricahaus in the Aftermath of the Fire

The Coronado National Forest has been closed since the Horseshoe II fire started May 8.   This fire was officially over this past week and is one of the five worst fires in Arizona history.  I have been anxious, yet apprehensive about going up to the cabin.

Friday I was able to get a special permit from the Forest Service to go up and do clean up, etc.  So Kerri, Cameron, Teresa and I drove up to Cave Creek today.  The drive from Douglas looked much like it does every summer before the monsoons start up.  One would never know that a horrific fire took place very near.

As we drove into the canyon, everything looked fine.  The only noticeable difference is that we saw a lot of deer.  Usually we don't see them until dusk.  Two stood at the side of the road and looked at us.  We had the pugs and I was expecting some barking.  Maybe they sensed the sadness for their fellow animals trying to survive.   We also wanted to be very careful with them up there as there could be animals other than deer who may not be as okay to see them!

Everything in the forest is extremely dry.  Trees had dead leaves and there are a lot of fallen, dead leaves on the ground  and absolutely NO water in the creek.

As we turned off on the South Fork road, I was really dreading what we would find.  Once again, deer were there.  And you could tell that there had been a fire.  However, not like I thought it would look.  I was in northern Arizona after the Rodeo-Chedeski fire and it was no where as bad as that.  But it is so dry and I have never seen it as dry.  As we continued on the road, you could tell there had been a fire, but would never know that it was such a horrible fire.

Approaching the cabin and going across the bridge, there was a huge pile of logs that had been cut right on our property.  The cabin looked great, except for the incredible dryness.  Across the road and up the mountain, it was obvious that there had been a fire.  The fire went all the way up the mountain, but it didn't burn everything.  My greatest concern will be what will happen when the rains come.  We have been worried about the creek, but I think there is going to be some changes made when the water comes down the mountain across the road.

We stopped at the Portal Store.  It was actually a bit busy, which is good.  I wanted to give them some business.  They have great lip gloss and candles made by a local artisan.  I also found a beautiful pair of copper earrings with hummingbirds that I bought.

So now we are in a holding pattern waiting for the much-needed monsoons and what may happen then.  I am just so grateful that the cabin was spared and that everything looks as though a little rain and mother nature will take care of the problems.  

The Chiricahuas are one of the most beautiful spots on earth in my opinion.  I love going up there.  This cabin has been in our family for 50 years and the memories that I have of the many visits can never be erased by fire or water.  I just want to continue to make memories on my favorite spot on earth--God willing!

Forty Years of Wedded BLISS!

Teresa, Cameron and I just got back from our weekend in the valley.  We were there to attend the 40th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for my cousin, Cecilia and her husband, Jay.  Their six children surprised them with a party on Friday evening.  

We all were waiting for them to arrive at St. Mary's Basilica around 6:30 Friday evening.  They were coming under the pretense of a church choir concert.  Yaya belongs to the choir at St. Mary's.  We had a "play by play" commentary from Katie about where they were and when they would arrive. 

Cecilia and Jay got to the church around 7:00 p.m.  They were accompanied by Dave and Meg from Idaho and their two beautiful girls, Bisbee and Piper.  I can honestly say that I think they were very surprised--at least Jay was--Cecilia might have had a little inkling.

Everyone stood and said "happy anniversary" together as they walked into the church.  Father Alonso, a Franciscan priest from St. Mary's, had them renew their wedding vows.  Austin, their oldest grandson, read a reading.  It was a simple and quick ceremony.

After that, we went to the Social Hall which is underneath St. Mary's for dinner and fun!!  So many of our family events have been held at St. Mary's--both joyful and sorrowful.  Many people were there to honor Jay and Cecilia!  All of her children were there with their families---Monica, Derik and Austin, Tyler, and Parker; David and Meg and Bisbee and Piper: Mark and his girlfriend, Annie, Jeremy, Mattox and Cole; Katie and Bob; and Matthew.  Of course, all of her sisters were there!!  Many of our cousins also came.  And their many friends through the years were in attendance.

Cecilia and I have always been good friends.  Although we are cousins, she is still my very dear friend.  I have always been able to count on both Jay and Cecilia over the years.  They have ALWAYS been there for me and I truly appreciate it--more than words can express.

Cecilia is one of the truly good people of the world and Jay has been by her side through thick and thin!  I so love and admire both of them.  We can't pick our relatives, but we can pick our friends.  It is so nice to know that they are my friends!! Love you both, Jay and Cecilia, and here is to 40 (well maybe not 40) more!!!

Many Memories Made in May

Wow!! It is hard to believe that a whole school year has gone by so quickly!  Moving down here to Douglas last July was such a whirlwind event and school started right after I arrived down here. I can truly say "I hit the ground running."

What a year it has been!!  So many events occurred, both good and not so good.  However, I truly feel blessed to be here in Douglas and I really love my job.  

May is always a busy month because of it being the end of the school year.  So many events take place this month and it is very different from a district point of view.  

I have mentioned in previous posts that the only regret I had leaving Gilbert El was that I never had closure with the kids and families.  Well, the wonderful Gilbert El PTSO eliminated that regret for me.  They had wanted to do a reception for me and we could never find a good date.  We finally found a common time that worked for everyone.  I was very nervous about this event for some reason that I can't explain.  However, it was a WONDERFUL evening.  Many families came by and it was so awesome to get all of the hugs from the kids.  There were even high school kids who came by, too!!  PTSO is putting a plaque in the library of me so that the kids will be able to see it. 

I think that what has meant the most to me over the years is the relationships I have had with some of our more "energetic" kids that I spent a lot of time with.  Several of these kids and there families were also there.  There was a mom there that I didn't recognize.  She came up to me and introduced herself.  They were new to Gilbert El this year and she said she had heard so much about me that she wanted to meet me.  Wow is all I can say!

Back to Douglas and the last week of school brought completion ceremonies at the two middle schools.  Friday was the DHS graduation.  I knew that I was going to give out the diplomas, but didn't quite expect it to be so awesome. All of the educators wore gowns with our Masters' Hood.  That is a great touch!  Shaking hands with each graduate, handing them their diplomas, and having my picture taken with each of them was very special to me!!  After 20 years of kindergarten graduations, these students knew which hand to offer to shake and which hand to take their diplomas in!  I came home very tired that night, but it was a good tired.

As I reflect on this first year, I feel good about what has been accomplished.  Our Governing Board is very supportive and our district leadership team is coming together and I truly believe we are going to be able to do some great things this next year.  I love the people I work with.  I never had an assistant principal so it has taken some getting use to having an assistant superintendent.  I can honestly say that I could not have picked anyone better than Bonnie if I had been doing the hiring.  Together, we are quite a team!