Today was an interesting day. It marks the end of spring break. I usually dread the Sunday of a break/vacation. I didn’t dread today. I’m not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, but at the same time, I know I need to.
So much has happened during the last two weeks. We lost two students (a 2018 grad and a current sophomore) to suicide. The principal was basically stripped of his duties and has been replaced by two principals – one of whom is a retired principal from our school. I want to see my kids and be there to listen to them. I just don’t have time for the bureaucratic nonsense. The students have seen so many changes since school began in August. We had three APs and the Security Specialist reassigned with no warning the day we returned from Thanksgiving. The news of the principal came the day before spring break.
I am angry. I am angry that the hits just keep coming. I am angry that people above and beyond our campus aren’t being held accountable for their actions and areas in which they dropped the ball – things that led to the events of 2/14. I am angry that the decisions to remove Admin has only furthered the divide amongst not only the students and faculty/staff, but also the community at large. The only person solely responsible for what happened on 2/14 is the person sitting in prison. Removing APs and turning the principal into a glorified mascot/cheerleader doesn’t change district-wide policies put in place that led to the events that followed.
I am angry that the district is making decisions and changes without ever speaking to any of the teachers on campus. No one asks us for our feedback. They can’t answer questions when asked. What they’re doing is ripping apart our school and community. For what reason, I can’t say.
So, while I have no patience for district personnel, or the “powers that be” outside of MSD, I am looking forward to seeing my students and standing united with my coworkers. In times of crisis and tragedy, being divided serves no one; it only prolongs the hurt and healing process.
I hope that tomorrow goes smoothly, and that we can all truly feel that we can heal.