Uncomfortable Conversations

The last several weeks have been a horrifically turbulent time in our nation. The effects and stress can even be felt here in Shenandoah, Iowa. It is difficult and perhaps uncomfortable to have conversations about racial tension and discrimination. It can be unsettling when you cannot find the right words to communicate your thoughts, beliefs, and convictions in a manner that will be easily understood and accepted. It is also challenging to avoid being defensive and just listen in an attempt to understand different perspectives.

As a school system, we have policies and procedures in place that help guide and direct our conversation and work in these areas.  I have shared them in this blog before. Still, I believe it is essential to point to them again as a reminder and clarification that harassment, bullying, and discriminatory acts are unacceptable in our school learning community. This does not mean that these types of actions have not occurred in our district. It means that we take measures to prevent and action to address situations when they do happens.  Have we failed at times? I would be honest enough to say we likely have. I am regretful that it is true.  I also am willing to commit to you that we are taking steps to improve as a system.

In recent weeks, I have had individual conversations with some staff and led discussions with our leadership team about affirming our commitment to anti-harassment, bullying, and discrimination policies. We have reflected and will continue to reflect and take action to improve our practice as we consider disciplinary practices, curriculum and instructional resources, and professional development for our staff. I have also connected with the Green Hills Areas Education Association about the need for more training and support for schools.

Related District policies and procedures can be found here. This is important work as it is the policy and procedures we follow when complaints are made. It is published on our website, handbooks, and has been provided in other formats.  It has been and will continue to be clarified that this is an expectation of our work and learning environment that these policies are upheld.

Uncomfortable to discuss? Perhaps, but it is necessary and right to acknowledge, admit, and commit to doing better.  

Roller Coaster Rides

It has been quite the roller coaster ride of a school year, and it has ended like none other. However, I am very proud of our staff and students who have held on tight and have found ways to continue to engage in the learning process through the end of the ride.  They are pretty amazing and resilient people to work through this current time.

I have been thinking a lot about some of our staff who have served the district long term. I am feeling somewhat deflated by the lack of opportunity to celebrate with them as we end the school year.  Like many events, we have had to postpone our end of the year celebration to another time.  I found this video of our staff encouraging and uplifting.  I wanted to share it with you today, so you can join me in acknowledging the longevity of our staff.  

2019-2020 Staff Recognition

I think it is also appropriate that we also take a moment to commend the staff who are retiring on a job well done and acknowledge the commitment they have made to the system.  These are special people that we all care about and will miss.  

   

     

                                     Jackie Adcock, Bus Driver      Terry Fichter, Language Arts Teacher

                     Jon Skillern, Math Teacher    Sonia Willers, Special Education Associate