And Another Tradition Started

Last Monday night, we started a new tradition for the Douglas Unified School District.  We started what I hope to be an annual event called "Douglas Diamond Scholars."  We honored all students from fourth through twelfth grades.    It was an amazing evening!!

We honored the elementary students at 5:30 in the James A. Brenden Auditorium and then the middle and high school students at 7:00.  A fifth grader spoke at the elementary program about the importance of grades.  At the middle and high school ceremony, we had a sixth grader and a junior speak.

Many years ago, my mentor and former superintendent, Wally Delecki, started doing this in Gilbert.  He felt that we honored athletes and musicians, which is very important, but we didn't honor the students who did well in school. So he started this ceremony many years ago.

When I came to Douglas, I wanted to do something similar.  Because of our high poverty rate and our high second language learners, we spend a lot of time concentrating on improvement.  This is everywhere in our schools today because of the unreasonable demands made on us by politicians.  

Our Diamond Scholar Night was incredible and focused on the things that are going well.  So often the average and above average students get lost in the focus.  

We practiced with the students in the morning.  I talked to them about the importance of being respectful during this ceremony.  I asked them to please remind their families that this was a very important and serious event.  Parents can cheer at sporting events, but I asked them to remember the seriousness of this honor.  Both programs were amazing!!  The audience could not have been any more respectful.  The students walked across the stage and were given a medallion around their necks by our Governing Board members.

One of the wonderful teachers who works in our Curriculum Department coordinated this event for us.  She did an incredible job making everything work so smoothly!!

Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, the President of Cochise College, was our keynote speaker.  We could not have picked anyone better for this first ceremony.  He spoke to the students about the importance of education and gave them statistics about their future with an education.  He talked to them about how they are now a "diamond in the rough."   With their continuing education, that diamond will become what a true diamond looks like!!   He is an excellent speaker and tied everything we were trying to do into his speech.

After the second ceremony, I went out to go to my car.  It was about 15 minutes after the conclusion.  As  I walked out of the auditorium, it seemed that most of the families were still out in front.  They were in different groups talking and laughing.  That in itself was wonderful!!!

Both ceremonies filled the auditorium.  One of the fourth grade teachers told me that his student had 21 family members there.  I even had a Facebook friend (from Douglas who I didn't really know) there to see her nephew.

I have received so many compliments about this evening.  I am hoping to make it a tradition here in Douglas.  We have wonderful students and families and we need  to celebrate that!!  As I told the students, I am proud to be their superintendent!!

Despite what  grade our District has received from the state and federal government, I know we are doing a good job for our students.  It is time to acknowledge the wonderful jobs our teachers and administrators are doing!!!

What a wonderful end to this school year Diamond Scholar Night has been!!

Front page of the Douglas Dispatch was covered with pictures and the article.  Here is the link:

http://www.douglasdispatch.com/articles/2012/05/03/news/doc4fa18bac2ffb1656884290.txt 

Starting a Tradition

Since I have been down here in Douglas, it has taken time for me to build trust with the wonderful people who work for the district.  As I have worked to build that trust, I also wanted to start building "community" with the people who work at the District Office.  I took the time to build community in my classroom as a teacher--although in those days that wasn't what it was called.  As a result, I still have contact with many of my former students (who are now adults)  and their families.  

When I became a principal, I knew that building community was a key to success.  I truly believe that we had a wonderful community and I am proud to say I am still in contact with many of the wonderful people that I worked with and still many of the children and families.  This means the world to me.

Last year, I started a tradition that my cousin, Jan, told me about that she did when she was an assistant superintendent in her district.   In March, we had a potato bar.  I brought my Irish music and invited all of the District Office personnel.  It was a big hit.  I wanted to share my heritage.  I have always said that the only two things I wanted out of life would be a Mexican wedding and an Irish wake--so I am half way there!!!

This year, I asked if we could have a monthly potluck with all of the District Office.   So we have done something every month with different departments being in charge of main dish, desserts, etc.  It has been wonderful.  However, I told them that I wanted to do the Potato Bar again.  Last year I had the basics--potatoes, butter, sour cream, bacon bits, cheese, etc.  Well this year it was even better with lots of great things to put on the potatoes.  Many of the people said that they had never done anything like this before.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, so much of what I have been dealing with since I got here can't be put on my blog.  However, this has proven to be a very positive event for everyone. It gives all of us a chance to sit together and get to know each other and forget about the day-to-day dealings that can be burdensome.  

So a new tradition has been born. I hope to be able to keep this going for a few more years.  It seems like such a small thing and it is, but I truly believe that it is extremely important.  There is an old saying that "the family that prays together, stays together."  I am hoping that the "staff who eats together, works even better together."

I work with a great group of people and I appreciate so much what they do.  They work for low wages, but they are committed, hard working and have integrity.  It is a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful group of people!!!

And finally, my favorite Irish saying that I have in my office:

Sports and Character--How Incredible!!

I get so many emails at work.  A lot of them are "advertisements" for different programs that cost a lot of money but offer to solve all the problems in public schools today.  I usually delete those.  I get many others with important information from the Department of Education, etc.  I also get a lot of ones that are asking questions about different issues.  And I get some that are complaining about a situation or an issue.  Very rarely do I get one that is positive.  I understand this because people tend to want to get negative things taken care of, but forget about the positives.  That is human nature.  

Over the course of my career and experiencing this, I have tried to write positive emails and letters when something good happens.  I know that I don't do it often enough, but I have truly tried to make that effort.

About two weeks ago, I opened an email from someone I didn't know and here is what it said:

Good Morning Ms. Rogers,

Not often do I get a chance to compliment a High School sports team and staff that has stayed with us.  We had the pleasure of hosting the Douglass High School Soccer team on Friday night and though I was not here while they were checked in I received a glowing report about these young men.

The manager on duty informed me that they were not only well behaved but very polite and left their rooms very clean.  This may not sound like much but we deal with a lot of teams from 8 year olds to professional baseball players and I don’t remember a time when this manager had such complimentary things to say about a group of athletes.

I would appreciate you passing along my sincere thanks to Principal Schneider and the Douglass High School Soccer Team and Staff.  I was not able to locate an e-mail address for them to copy on.

Sincerely,

Mark Maddix 

I was so thrilled to receive this email.  I immediately sent it to our athletic director and the coach.  We were having a Board Meeting that week and I was able to read this email at the meeting.  In addition, our local newspaper asked for it and they put it in the newspaper.

Last night, I attended the banquet for the DHS Soccer teams.  Our coach invited me and I was able to say a few words to these wonderful boys.  There was a full house with parents and families there to honor these student athletes.  

Their coach invited me and I was touched and honored to be asked to attend.  The varsity team played the entire season without any issues with grades.  They made it to the playoffs--the final four in our division.  I told these young men how proud I was of what they had done academically.  But I truly feel that what is equally important is their character.  

I told them that I am proud to be their superintendent, and I am!!  This is what makes going to work every day worthwhile!!!  These young men and their coaches are to be commended for making us proud to be Douglas Bulldogs!!!

 

Celebrating Yaya's 75th Birthday

Last weekend, Teresa and I went to Phoenix to celebrate the 75th birthday of my wonderful cousin, Margaret Ellen, also known as Yaya to the family.

On Friday, the sisters (my five Phoenix Scott cousins) met for dinner at Durant's in Phoenix.  Teresa and Don came from Atlanta and Colorado, Marion and Ron from Turlock, and the rest of us from Arizona, Cecilia, Jay, Pat, Teresa, Judy and me.  It means so much to me that I am considered one of the sisters!

Durant's is an elegant restaurant in downtown Phoenix. It has been there since 1952.  We have had many fun times there over the years.  I hadn't been there in quite some time.  We had a wonderful time.  When we use to go for New Year's, my mom always said we were going to Duranti's.  Loved that!!

On Saturday, most of the Arizona family (which is quite large) and many of Yaya's friends, gathered at Paul's and Beth's house for a surprise party.  I am not sure if she was totally surprised, but it was awesome to see so many people there who love her.

I have written on previous posts about my Phoenix cousins.  They are truly like sisters and I love them all.  

We are blessed to have Yaya in our family!!  I know that I am blessed to have my wonderful Phoenix cousins!!!  Happy birthday to Pat, whose birthday is two days after Yaya's.  Don't know what I would do with out my "sisters" in Phoenix.  Love you all!!!

What a wonderful world we have with all of our extended family.  The Scott Family is the best!!!

And thank you to the next generation (Maggie, Monica, etc.) for all of your hard work to make this possible!!!!!!!!!!

An Emerging, Inspirational Leader!

This past week, we were fortunate enough to have Daniel Hernandez visit Douglas.  Daniel was the intern who was working for Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and was with her that tragic day in January, 2011.

Daniel first spoke to our DHS seniors about the importance of civic responsibility and voting.  After that, he came to our monthly parent council lunch.  Many of our district office employees and principals also attended to hear him speak.

Daniel told the story of that awful day.  He told us about how he had just started working as her intern and was asked by Gabe Zimmerman if he would be able to attend the first "Congresswoman on the Corner" that was taking place that Saturday at a Safeway shopping center.  He said he got there a bit late, as did Congresswoman Giffords, which was unlike her to be late.  Daniel was helping people sign in for those who came and wanted a question answered by the Congresswoman's office.  He said that  he heard someone yell "gun" and then heard a series of gunshots ring out.  He said that it was chaos and he ran up to where people were wounded.  He checked and saw that some were already gone when he saw Gabby on the ground in a strange angle.  He was hoping she got down before the shots came, but when he got to her he saw that she had been shot through the head.  

Daniel had gone through Certified Nursing Assistant training in high school so he has some knowledge of first aide.  He saw that Gabby was choking on her own blood so he propped her up and held her against him to try to stem the flow of the blood.   He said that she was conscious and alert.  When the paramedics got there, he was allowed to go with her to the hospital.  He was able to assure her that her husband and parents were being notified.

Daniel told us that he learned much from knowing Gabby Giffords.  He told us of her optimism, even in bleak times.  He remembered the night of the 2010 election when it looked as though she might not win.  She told him that no matter what happened, to never stop trying to make things better.   She told him to find a cause that he really believes in and to do everything he could for that cause.

For Daniel, it is education and equality for all human beings.  He also talked about kindness and treating people with respect.  He  spoke of people working together, which is so lacking in our society and particularly in politics.

That evening, I went to a Democratic rally at my friend Susan's house.  Daniel told his story again, but this time with a political slant.  There were many candidates there who are running for local and state offices. Daniel currently sits on the Governing Board in the Sunnyside School District. 

It was beginning to get dark and Daniel had to drive back to Tucson after a very long day.  I asked him if he would please meet my Aunt Teresa and he told me he had met her at the luncheon.  However, he went over and sat down next to her and talked to her for quite some time.

Daniel is bright, articulate, personable, and charismatic.  It is hard to believe that he is only 22 years old. He was thrust into the public eye as a result of a horrible tragedy.  However, Daniel has conducted himself with maturity and grace.   When asked about his plans for the future, he said he isn't sure what he will do.  Right now, because of his age, he said he can only be elected to school boards or a dog catcher.  I believe that Daniel will be a very positive leader some day.

I sent him an email thanking him for coming to Douglas and his reply to me was a thank you for having him down here.

There is hope for our future if we have young leaders such as Daniel Hernandez!!  It was an honor and a privilege to meet him.  I think we will be hearing his name in a positive light in the future!!

Touching Moments

Earlier this week, watching the State of the Union address, there was a very touching moment when President Obama hugged Gabby Giffords.  That was something seen by millions of people all over the world.


Sometimes touching moments can come from the most unexpected day-to-day experiences. 

There is a saying that everything happens in threes.  I have experienced that a few times in my life.  However, yesterday it truly happened in threes--touching moments that I would never have expected.

I don't like to have to go to Walmart to shop, but there aren't many other options down here now that Safeway closed.  As I was going down an aisle, a darling little boy was so excited to see me.  He said "hi" and I responded and asked how he was.   He told me he was fine.  As we passed, I heard him tell his dad--El presidente de la escuela!!!  It made my day!!  There have only been a few times a child has known me.  And that is something I truly miss after so many years at an elementary school

Teresa and I usually go to 5:00 o'clock mass on Saturday evening.  Tonight, neither of the deacons or the altar server were there.  Father Gilbert was all by himself.  Everything went fine, but when it came time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, there was no one to help Father with the preparation.


As he started preparing, an elderly (and very distinguished) gentleman came forth and went up to the altar to assist.  This wonderful man is almost 90 years old and suffers from the early stages of Alzheimers.  He is always at 5:00 o'clock mass and is often one of the Eucharistic Ministers. It is always touching for me to see him participate, despite the fact that he has oxygen with him and has a bit of trouble getting around. I have known him all of my life.  Our families' friendship goes way back and I went all through school with his children.


However, what happened last night was amazing!  I am sure at one point in his life he had been an altar boy.  He helped Father with the water and the wine and all of the preparation.  He then went down to where the altar server sits and knelt down right on the carpet (and I can tell you I wouldn't be able to do this.)  He then became the bell ringer during the consecration.  After that, he went about his way and did his Eucharistic Minister duties.  Just watching this tonight was so powerful.  I have given him a ride home a couple of times after church.  My admiration for him is immense!!   I believe there was a message in what I saw tonight!


Right after I came back to Douglas last year, there was a terrible accident right after the 5:00 o'clock mass.  I was up at the cabin, so I wasn't there, but Teresa was.  Two ladies were crossing the street to get to their cars when a drunk driver hit them.  Both of them were seriously injured.   One of the ladies hit is the wife of the rancher who was killed here almost two years ago, so there was a lot of media coverage.  


The other lady is  elderly and she had several broken bones and was hurt quite badly.  Both of them have been back in Douglas for quite some time and seem to be doing fairly well.  Last night, I walked out of church with Shirley.  She uses a cane and you could tell she is still in a lot of pain.  However, she ALWAYS has a big smile on her face and a hug to give.   We walked her to her car and chatted.  She is so upbeat and positive despite everything that has happened to her. She is a beautiful lady--both on the outside and the inside.  My admiration for her is also immense!


Robert Louis Stevenson said, "The best things in life are nearest: Breath in  your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.  Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life."

How true that was for me todayI  The simple acts of shopping and church were some of the sweetest things in life!

"Complimentary?" Name Calling?

Can being called a name ever be complimentary?  Believe it or not, I believe this to be true!!!  Yes, it is true and this is coming from someone who never allowed any student to call another student a name..............

Last Tuesday was my birthday and I just happened to be up in the valley for state meetings on the committee I sit on.  I had received an email earlier from Barb, my former secretary, asking if I was going to be up in the valley any time soon.  She said she would like to have a "little" happy hour with my Gilbert friends.  

The timing was perfect and I was excited to see some of the people who have meant so much to me over the years. As I walked in, they started singing a song that my dear friend, Jan, made famous.  It should end with "she's a lovely lass."  However, the version is just a tad "different."

I was so touched to see SO MANY of these wonderful friends!!!!!!!  When I left to come to Douglas, I truly left in a week.  Although I feel that there has been closure, I have to say that I truly miss the wonderful relationships that I had with so many wonderful people over the years.  And it was so awesome to see so many people there!!  I can't even begin to say what this meant to me.

I love my job down here in Douglas!  I feel rejuvenated and I feel that there is a reason that I came here.  At the time that I moved down here, I thought it was going to be because of my dear Aunt Teresa.  And it has been.  However, I truly believe that there was another reason.   And because of that belief, I know that my job down here isn't finished.  

Putting all of those reasons aside, I would just like to say how much last Tuesday meant to me on a personal level.  Today I was reading the many cards that I received.  I have to say that there were tears in my eyes when I finished.  I truly cherish those wonderful relationships and hope that no matter what life brings, I will always know that my time at that wonderful school was also a blessing for me in many ways.

So thank you to all of my wonderful friends for making this birthday so special!!  Words can't express how much it meant to me.  Love all of you!!!!!