Mr. Smith will be returning to Layton High as its principal. I cannot provide any details, but am so glad to be able to share this great good news with all who read here.
I want to begin by saying that my gratitude for and confidence in Mr. Smith know no bounds.
Some years ago I directed the play A Few Good Men at Layton High. It is a story about Justice and Right and the Marine Corp. At one point in the dialoged, two attorneys argue over their support of Marines accused of crimes. One asks, “Why do you love them so much?” To which the other attorney replies, “Because they stand on a wall, and they say no one is going to hurt you tonight.”
I am just a school teacher. I stand in ah of the responsibilities of Administrators. I have always accepted that they should be paid more money than I; they truly earn the money. Many times as I passed through the office on some petty errand, I would see Mr. Smith facing the withering abuse spewed by an angry parent or the bitter disrespect of a spoiled child. (sometimes because of my mistakes) It was ironic indeed, to see the very people who Mr. Smith strives to help, abusing and threatening him. I would pick up my papers and go back to my class room to spend the day doing what I love. For twenty five years, I knew Mr. Smith had my back; Mr. Smith was on the wall for me.
As I have reviewed the information available to me on this situation I have been filled with compassion for Dr. Bowles. I am forced to consider the enormous challenges, the dangers, and the pitfalls he must face. I am most grateful for his courage and ability, his willingness to deal with difficult problems. I can state unequivocally, that Dr. Bowles is deserving of the greatest loyalty and support. He is a wise and man, and a great leader.
Enough people have been hurt. Now is the time to find a way to heal. The goal is still the same; the teaching of students. I am a class room teacher, Mr. Smith and Dr. Bowles are teachers too, in their words and deeds, and by making it possible for me and many other teachers to teach.
To some extent, we must concern ourselves with the opinions of men, but we must not let the opinions of others be the determining factor for our actions. We cannot let those who seek to do so hurt the district, or school, or our students; they cannot hurt us. We must be practical, knowing that, on the level of the ideal, we have already won the argument.
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6 comments:
this is fantastic news!
My good friend, Kathy Ferrin, called me this morning with the great news. My name is Eileen Barnes and I sub alot at Layton High and I am also Robert Ferneau's mother-in-law. I was going to get in touch with you on Monday to see what I could do to help you in getting Mr. Smith back at Layton High. Sandra Smith told me about you last week when I ran into her at Sam's Club. I have been know to write a letter to the editor in the past, and I really wanted to do it in the matter of Mr. Smith, but Robert was fearful of the trouble I might cause him (and I think he was afraid that I might not be allowed to sub again). I just want to thank-you for all of your efforts in getting Mr. Smith back where he belongs. The next time I am at Layton High, I plan on coming to your classroom and thanking you personally.
Eileen Barnes
Taylor and Jodi;
It is fantastic news. You and your wonderful letter were with me every step of the way. Thank you!
G-Kasho:
Thank you for your support. We must now stand ready to support Dr. Bowles as he makes this come to pass.
I salute you Delose and others that have started the ball rolling in reinstating Paul Smith. He is a wonderful man who deserves the dignity of retiring on his terms. I agree with everything that you wrote.
thanks,
Becky Smith
Becky,
Thank you for posting; it means a lot to feel our unity on this important issue. I am only grateful that I could play a small part in the service of a great man, our school, and our students.
I really enjoyed your blog post.
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