What a tragic day. What a horrible, tragic day. The shootings at Virginia Tech University has caused me to feel sad and heavy in my heart. My heart and prayers go out to all of the students, families and friends of anyone who was killed or wounded or affected by the devastating events of this day.
So many thoughts have been going through my head since first hearing about the shootings at Virginia Tech University today. The sadness, the utter wretchedness of the acts of today have permeated my thoughts all day. My first reaction...call my son and daughters and let them know how much I love them. Not that I don't do that regularly...but today, I had to call each of my children and say it again! We just never know. We just never know...
Tonight, after watching the story retold on CNN, I also couldn't help think about the strangeness of the times in which we live. On this day, this horrible day on that small campus in Virginia...every minute has now been documented by no doubt hundreds of people...where they were, what they were doing, who they were with, what happened, when they heard about the tragedy...all indelibly transcribed for all eternity through instant messages, web blogs, cell phone videos. It is incredible when you stop and think about it. We live in a time when every tiny bit of of our lives can and most likely is documented for all posterity with the ease of technology. Hey...I am blogging my thoughts right now, aren't I?
It is different somehow...not so much like in years gone by when still photographs captured tiny moments of history one bit at a time for future generations to see and imagine what the feelings might have been when the picture was taken. These days...there is no need to imagine...it is plainly there for all to see, read, relive...every second of the way.
Is it better these days? Easier? I know it is interesting. I suspect that future generations will surely have an easier time understanding us...as we are leaving more than our footprints...we are leaving complete documentation of who we are and what we are becoming. It sort of takes the guess work out. What do you think?
Carole
Monday, April 16, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
A confession...
I have a confession to make. As a young child, I did not like school. I was not a good student and I lacked a sense of my own intelligence. I felt dumb. In retrospect, I believe these things happened for one main reason. I attended a school in which students were “tracked.” I was always placed in the “above average” class, but I fell in the middle of that class (grade-wise) and consequently, I grew up believing that I was not very smart. The good news is that as a freshman in high school, I was placed in a Speech I class with Mrs. Allison Edwards. Thank goodness for Mrs. Edwards! After giving two or three speeches in her class, she approached me and asked me if I would consider helping to revitalize what had become a defunct speech and debate team for Struthers High School. More importantly, she told me that she thought I had a gift for public speaking. Believe me, no one had ever told me I had a gift for anything…except maybe forgetting to do my homework (as a younger student). From that point on (I accepted her challenge of course), my confidence soared. I won speech and debate awards and at graduation, I was one of only three of seniors who gave a speech at commencement. That’s when I knew I had to do for others what Mrs. Edwards had done for me! I had to become a teacher!
I have had the privilege of working with countless wonderful and talented teachers, many of whom tell me that they were influenced to become teachers mostly by their parents, who always stressed the importance of education to them. In some ways, it is hard to say this, but the truth is, that was not the case for me. That is not to say that my parents did not influence me. They surely did!
I was the first girl, born after three boys to Roger and Florence Colburn. My parents were ecstatic to have me! Unfortunately, my father was forced to retire at age fifty due to a debilitating physical illness. We were dirt poor. My mother had a high school diploma, but my father had quit school (in New Hampshire) when he was 13 to join the Civilian Conservation Core so that he could help support his family. In spite of loving me dearly, neither of my parents believed that I would go to college…mainly because of financial reasons and therefore, college was not really discussed with me. To this day, my mother is awe struck at my accomplishments. To his credit, my father studied for and received his GED at age 62. I truly believe if he was alive today, he would also be very proud of me. In all honesty, I cannot say my parents told me the importance of education. They did, however, show me the importance of giving and serving by being involved in our community and church and always being willing to give to others in spite of our own financial situation. There was never a time when my parents said “No, can’t help.” They were always willing to do whatever they needed to do to help those in need. Between my experience with Mrs. Edwards and my parents modeling of these characteristics, I knew that teaching was my destiny.
I believe that my greatest contributions and accomplishments in education relate directly to these two influences. First, Mrs. Edwards helped me to see my gifts and strengths. I believe that my greatest contribution to education is my ability to see the gifts and strengths of my students and more importantly, to help my students see these qualities in themselves. My students are constantly learning, unlearning and relearning through reflection and revision and collaboration. In this capacity, they are able to see for themselves what they have learned, and where their strengths and weaknesses lie. There is nothing more meaningful to me as an educator than to have a student come to my class and be excited and happy to be there and eager to learn something new each day!
Secondly, because of my parents modeling of the importance of giving and serving, I have stressed in my classroom the idea of making a connection between what we learn in the classroom and applying that to the real-world through community service and involvement. PROJECTS like SHARC (Students Helping the American Red Cross), SHED (Student Helping to Eliminate Diseases), HOUSE (Helping Out Underprivileged Students Everywhere), SERVE (Students Everywhere Respecting Veteran’s Everyday), SKILL (Student Knowledge Inspiring Lifelong Learning) and HELP (Helping Everyone Living with Problems) are designed to instill a sense of the importance of community awareness and service. Students write in the reflective essays, “I learned how to help people in my own community, and how just time or a little money can help save a family in my town, not have to live on the streets!” and that they felt proud because “you’re getting the message out there so that we can help the people who need it.” The results of these projects and the ensuing enthusiasm on the part of the students participating in them (like those above) are my greatest accomplishments. Reading final reflection papers of students and knowing from their words and their actions that I have made a difference in how these students see their responsibility in this world are what I consider my greatest accomplishments!
I have won countless awards since making those first few speeches in Mrs. Edwards’s class all those years ago. Each award has given me a thrill and has been fun for me to receive. Nothing, however, will ever compare to the thrill (and chill) I feel inside when I look into a student’s eyes and know through his or her actions, that I have made a positive difference in that student’s life and a difference that will last forever!
I have had the privilege of working with countless wonderful and talented teachers, many of whom tell me that they were influenced to become teachers mostly by their parents, who always stressed the importance of education to them. In some ways, it is hard to say this, but the truth is, that was not the case for me. That is not to say that my parents did not influence me. They surely did!
I was the first girl, born after three boys to Roger and Florence Colburn. My parents were ecstatic to have me! Unfortunately, my father was forced to retire at age fifty due to a debilitating physical illness. We were dirt poor. My mother had a high school diploma, but my father had quit school (in New Hampshire) when he was 13 to join the Civilian Conservation Core so that he could help support his family. In spite of loving me dearly, neither of my parents believed that I would go to college…mainly because of financial reasons and therefore, college was not really discussed with me. To this day, my mother is awe struck at my accomplishments. To his credit, my father studied for and received his GED at age 62. I truly believe if he was alive today, he would also be very proud of me. In all honesty, I cannot say my parents told me the importance of education. They did, however, show me the importance of giving and serving by being involved in our community and church and always being willing to give to others in spite of our own financial situation. There was never a time when my parents said “No, can’t help.” They were always willing to do whatever they needed to do to help those in need. Between my experience with Mrs. Edwards and my parents modeling of these characteristics, I knew that teaching was my destiny.
I believe that my greatest contributions and accomplishments in education relate directly to these two influences. First, Mrs. Edwards helped me to see my gifts and strengths. I believe that my greatest contribution to education is my ability to see the gifts and strengths of my students and more importantly, to help my students see these qualities in themselves. My students are constantly learning, unlearning and relearning through reflection and revision and collaboration. In this capacity, they are able to see for themselves what they have learned, and where their strengths and weaknesses lie. There is nothing more meaningful to me as an educator than to have a student come to my class and be excited and happy to be there and eager to learn something new each day!
Secondly, because of my parents modeling of the importance of giving and serving, I have stressed in my classroom the idea of making a connection between what we learn in the classroom and applying that to the real-world through community service and involvement. PROJECTS like SHARC (Students Helping the American Red Cross), SHED (Student Helping to Eliminate Diseases), HOUSE (Helping Out Underprivileged Students Everywhere), SERVE (Students Everywhere Respecting Veteran’s Everyday), SKILL (Student Knowledge Inspiring Lifelong Learning) and HELP (Helping Everyone Living with Problems) are designed to instill a sense of the importance of community awareness and service. Students write in the reflective essays, “I learned how to help people in my own community, and how just time or a little money can help save a family in my town, not have to live on the streets!” and that they felt proud because “you’re getting the message out there so that we can help the people who need it.” The results of these projects and the ensuing enthusiasm on the part of the students participating in them (like those above) are my greatest accomplishments. Reading final reflection papers of students and knowing from their words and their actions that I have made a difference in how these students see their responsibility in this world are what I consider my greatest accomplishments!
I have won countless awards since making those first few speeches in Mrs. Edwards’s class all those years ago. Each award has given me a thrill and has been fun for me to receive. Nothing, however, will ever compare to the thrill (and chill) I feel inside when I look into a student’s eyes and know through his or her actions, that I have made a positive difference in that student’s life and a difference that will last forever!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I sent a message the other day to the Puttingkidsfirst group...
...and was deeply saddened to find that the group's messages are being censored. My message, in it's entirety, was not posted as an original post by me...but rather was cut and pasted (censored) into a response format by one of the group's moderators.
I thought the group was a place that all HEA members could voice their opinions...freely and without censorship. I am saddened to learn that I was wrong. By not posting my comments in total...and as a message in and of itself (instead choosing to cut and paste only the parts the moderator wanted others to read) the moderator demonstrated for me the very same type of manipulation that is put upon us all by the administration...the very type of control and management that we have been trying to stand up against. I am deeply hurt by these actions.
I have always had a great deal of respect for all members of our bargaining team and have demonstrated my support by working together for the cause. Anyone may certainly disagree with my assessment of the MEA involvement...and clearly people have their own opinions...but by censoring my message...others who participate in the group have been deprived of their right to form their own opinion.
I believed this group, this forum...was a place for open dialogue. How could I have been so wrong?
Below is my original message...
Every time I talk with my husband Jay about the situation with the contract at HPS...he inevitably asks me the following...where is the MEA? What is the MEA doing to help? Each time, I am not sure how to answer. So, I am asking all of you who have been here longer and had more experience with contract negotiations in hopes that you might have an answer for me...and my husband. Where is the MEA? What are they doing to help us? Why are they not attending Board meetings and speaking on our behalf? Isn't this what we pay MEA dues for? If not, why do we pay the dues? Wouldn't it be nice to have a larger voice...one that might possibly be heard...to urge the board to do the right thing for us?
A few years back...the nurses at Sparrow Hospital were tired of fighting for better wages, better working conditions, betters benefits. Their union, the Michigan Nurses Association was not successful in representing the nurses in their plight. Guess what happened? The nurses union and UAW formed an allegiance...now called the MNA-UAW HealthCare Workplace Alliance. http://www.uaw.org/solidarity/05/0405/uf05.cfm
Yes...you read that right...the UAW!!! One of the strongest unions in the country...formed an alliance with the nurses association and has been pivotal in negotiating nursing contracts since then.
Look where the nurses are now. http://www.sparrow.org/SN-Jan07.pdf
I am not saying that we need to take these drastic measures...but isn't it worth thinking about, talking about...if we can't get the MEA to step up for us? When was the last time you saw an MEA member at a board meeting? Where are they as we picket? I ask again...what is the MEA doing for us?????
Respectfully posted...
Carole
I thought the group was a place that all HEA members could voice their opinions...freely and without censorship. I am saddened to learn that I was wrong. By not posting my comments in total...and as a message in and of itself (instead choosing to cut and paste only the parts the moderator wanted others to read) the moderator demonstrated for me the very same type of manipulation that is put upon us all by the administration...the very type of control and management that we have been trying to stand up against. I am deeply hurt by these actions.
I have always had a great deal of respect for all members of our bargaining team and have demonstrated my support by working together for the cause. Anyone may certainly disagree with my assessment of the MEA involvement...and clearly people have their own opinions...but by censoring my message...others who participate in the group have been deprived of their right to form their own opinion.
I believed this group, this forum...was a place for open dialogue. How could I have been so wrong?
Below is my original message...
Every time I talk with my husband Jay about the situation with the contract at HPS...he inevitably asks me the following...where is the MEA? What is the MEA doing to help? Each time, I am not sure how to answer. So, I am asking all of you who have been here longer and had more experience with contract negotiations in hopes that you might have an answer for me...and my husband. Where is the MEA? What are they doing to help us? Why are they not attending Board meetings and speaking on our behalf? Isn't this what we pay MEA dues for? If not, why do we pay the dues? Wouldn't it be nice to have a larger voice...one that might possibly be heard...to urge the board to do the right thing for us?
A few years back...the nurses at Sparrow Hospital were tired of fighting for better wages, better working conditions, betters benefits. Their union, the Michigan Nurses Association was not successful in representing the nurses in their plight. Guess what happened? The nurses union and UAW formed an allegiance...now called the MNA-UAW HealthCare Workplace Alliance. http://www.uaw.org/solidarity/05/0405/uf05.cfm
Yes...you read that right...the UAW!!! One of the strongest unions in the country...formed an alliance with the nurses association and has been pivotal in negotiating nursing contracts since then.
Look where the nurses are now. http://www.sparrow.org/SN-Jan07.pdf
I am not saying that we need to take these drastic measures...but isn't it worth thinking about, talking about...if we can't get the MEA to step up for us? When was the last time you saw an MEA member at a board meeting? Where are they as we picket? I ask again...what is the MEA doing for us?????
Respectfully posted...
Carole
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Winter is back...
...in full force and man oh man am I cold! That wind chill is reaching right down to my ...well...I best not go there. ;-)
Anyway...today was the also day before Spring Break and it sure doesn't feel like spring. It feels a lot like winter...with typical/atypical Michigan weather. What is the saying? If you don't like the weather in Michigan, wait a minute...it will change.
I just read that Breiner was "passed over" for the superintendent job in Saginaw. Hmmm...I wonder if the Board will reward him for not going...even if not going wasn't his idea? I am glad to hear also that he has agreed to sit down with the bargaining team and talk about the "numbers.' I am not sure exactly what that means, but at least they will sit down and talk...always a good step in terms of solving problems. :-)
Anyway...today was the also day before Spring Break and it sure doesn't feel like spring. It feels a lot like winter...with typical/atypical Michigan weather. What is the saying? If you don't like the weather in Michigan, wait a minute...it will change.
I just read that Breiner was "passed over" for the superintendent job in Saginaw. Hmmm...I wonder if the Board will reward him for not going...even if not going wasn't his idea? I am glad to hear also that he has agreed to sit down with the bargaining team and talk about the "numbers.' I am not sure exactly what that means, but at least they will sit down and talk...always a good step in terms of solving problems. :-)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Taking this to the next level...
I have been thinking a lot about things since last night's picketing and board meeting. I was not able to stay for the board meeting but a friend who was there mentioned that it seemed to him that both the board and the teachers have valid points and appear to each be stuck on their own side of the mountain (my words, not my friend.) I know a bit about that posture. I used to live with someone who insisted that his mountain was the only place to live and he never really listened to what was going on, on my side of the world. It made for some pretty tough going when problems arose. Ultimately, we separated and I guess that solved the problem...for that relationship anyway. I guess we could all take that stance...and look for other jobs...if there are any to be had...and what is the guarantee that in other districts things would be any better?
Don't get me wrong here...I believe that the teachers are willing to move off of their mountain...we have in the past and probably would again...but...to solve any problem it takes real resolve and movement on both sides and it doesn't appear that that is going to happen any time soon.
So...how do we get through this? More importantly, how do we solve the problem? First, I think we really need to listen to each other...really listen to the concerns presented by both sides. There is validity in both sides. Acknowledge that. Next, we need to address the problem at its root cause. Is this really about money? About MESSA? About Parker? Oh yes...I truly believe that part of this issue is about Parker...and the fact that after next year, the expectation is that two high schools will be up and running. How can that possibly happen with no money to operate both at the same time?
Additionally, and really what is at the very root of all of this...is the lack of support (read $) from the state. We are not the only district in this mess...look around folks. There is a real problem with the way we fund education in this state. We need to take this to the state level. By that I mean, get connected with other districts who are fighting this same type of battle and hearing the same things we have heard...no money, no money, no money. Cuts, cuts, cuts. Let's go to the Governor! Let's do another march at the capital! After all...if the funding of education was fair in this state, would Howell Public Schools (the growing district that it still is) be in this mess? I think not...
What do you think?
Don't get me wrong here...I believe that the teachers are willing to move off of their mountain...we have in the past and probably would again...but...to solve any problem it takes real resolve and movement on both sides and it doesn't appear that that is going to happen any time soon.
So...how do we get through this? More importantly, how do we solve the problem? First, I think we really need to listen to each other...really listen to the concerns presented by both sides. There is validity in both sides. Acknowledge that. Next, we need to address the problem at its root cause. Is this really about money? About MESSA? About Parker? Oh yes...I truly believe that part of this issue is about Parker...and the fact that after next year, the expectation is that two high schools will be up and running. How can that possibly happen with no money to operate both at the same time?
Additionally, and really what is at the very root of all of this...is the lack of support (read $) from the state. We are not the only district in this mess...look around folks. There is a real problem with the way we fund education in this state. We need to take this to the state level. By that I mean, get connected with other districts who are fighting this same type of battle and hearing the same things we have heard...no money, no money, no money. Cuts, cuts, cuts. Let's go to the Governor! Let's do another march at the capital! After all...if the funding of education was fair in this state, would Howell Public Schools (the growing district that it still is) be in this mess? I think not...
What do you think?
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Monday, April 2, 2007
The power of collaboration...
I often think that as one person, I can do good things in this world. I have always thought that one person can make a positive difference. Lately though, I have come to understand and believe that collectively (or collaboratively) we can do GREAT things! Today, I had the great pleasure of working with several wonderful, dedicated, hard-working people who, collectively will accomplish great things for us all. As I sealed envelopes, then folded flyer's, sealed again, stuffed some envelopes and folded, sealed and stuffed over and over again, I listened to the chatter of the people all working together for the greater cause...MESSA and a fair contract for Howell Public Schools teachers. It was wonderful...uplifting...and renewed what has become a bit of a weary spirit as of late. Thank you to all of you...for being you!
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