12/14/2012

In April, 1999, two high school students killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Aurora, Colorado. The parent of one of my students pulled me aside the day after and asked if I would consider carrying a handgun at school (the family were big hunters and had many firearms). I told her, "The day that I need to carry a gun to school is the day that I quit teaching."

A friend of mine is a retired teacher who taught inner-city high school students in Los Angeles. He told me that he kept his briefcase open on his desk as he lectured and put facts on the chalkboard. What the students couldn't see was a .357 Magnum in the briefcase that he had at-the-ready in fourth period, as a teen had threatened to kill him.

Today, America and the world mourn for the adults and children murdered in a Conneticut elementary school. I saw an emotional President address us to offer solace. I hurt. I can't fathom how this morning, parents dropped off their children and said, "I love you! See you tonight!!" and smiling faces filled a classroom to learn, laugh, explore...
How does a school counselor call a parent at work and say, "Please come to the school immediately, there has been an accident, and your daughter, Melissa, is hurt badly" (Melissa will be dead by the time dad gets acros the police barricade and into the school).
Right now, parents are staring at empty beds, clothes hanging in a closet, a favorite pillow, soccer shoes, and hidden toys that they have bought to give to their children for Christmas in 11 days...
I have no answers. I have no new ideas. I am just sick with grief.

Canine Driver's License

My dog should have had a driver's license.
For years I would bring Geddy Lee to Sheridan. He was great with the students, and if a students was having a bad day, they could take Geddy for a short walk outside or just pet him for a few minutes.
I would call Geddy in front of the class and command him to "sit."
He would sit immediately.
He stayed seated until I gave him another command.
I would then explain to my students that Geddy sits the first time I tell him, and that my teens need to be told multiple times to sit!
Geddy stays seated- my students often get up after 30 seconds for some silly reason...
And they want a driver's license? I think my dog followed directions better than some of my students!
But he hated wearing sunglasses...

The Internet & Revolutions

Revolutions in the middle-east and Africa are the result of the internet. People are now able to see how others live and what they believe, and when an oppressed people learn of the freedoms of others, and lack of opportunity in their country, they revolt.
Before the internet, many simply accepted their way of life- they knew of no other option. Yet, when they can click on a screen and see the prosperity and freedoms of others, they begin to question their government and their lack of freedoms and opportunities. This is why some governments limit internet content/purpse.
The town crier, the newspaper, the radio, the television- all were slow and often censored.
Today, many can see unfiltered and accurate images of people all over the world. This is the seed of change (good or bad), and recent uprisings can be related directly to the ability to millions to access the internet and see how others live.

Challenging Times, from close to afar

Much is happening in my little world right now. Let me start at Sheridan. The economy has affected our program (like so many others) and we have made some changes to continue to provide quality, college-prep education to our students. We are very grateful for the volunteer Board of Directors who have seen us through difficult times and provided countless volunteer hours to keep growing.
Meridian schools will be challenged this year. Before I founded Sheridan Academy, I taught at Meridian Middle school for two years. At that time, it was the largest middle school west of the Rockies. Now there will be fewer teachers and larger classes for all grades. I don't see how we are to provide college-ready students to our universities if we continue to underfund our public education programs (hence, one of the reasons I left public schools).
One of the best classes I ever had was at BSU. The professor was Dr. Pat Beiter (the father of our mayor) and there were FIVE grad students! What a wonderful experience being fully involved in the lectures/dicussions/lessons and receiving immediate feedback on my progress. A small class makes a difference and I want all students to get as much as possible out of every class that they attend.

15th Graduation

On June 2, 2011 we held our 15th Annual Graduation and Awards Banquet. Thre seniors received high school diplomas (congrats Scott, Sunnie, Hadrien!) and five others got CASH for their efforts.
The students looked great dressed up and a skit by Isabella and Alia was a success!

We are very proud of all of our students!

Mayor's Choice Awards

Last April, Anthony was a recipient of the Mayor's Choice Award.
Anthony was one of 85 11th grade students in the entire Treasure Valley to receive this awards for his outstanding academic and social improvements!

We are very proud of Anthony!

Needs of Society

The needs of the community and of society dictate the teaching of the populace. For each community the goals and needs are to be supported and met by those entering the workforce with the skills and talents to satisfy the ideals of the society in which they live. These skills are the responsibility of the parents, schools and students.
If we are moving to an educational system where one can acquire a foundation of knowledge and social growth through technology, then must teach our students the benefits of technology in learning and work. We cannot see 5, 10, 20 years ahead. yet, by having students learn on-line, we are proposing that this form of learning will be valuable and commonplace in the near future.
What concerns me is that youth in our schools are still being molded and forged. They need social and interpersonal skills for success in today's business and today's society. By forcing them to learn on-line, we take away another opportunity to learn face-to-face interaction. Do we envision a complete college degree on-line without ever having to stand in front of a group of people to inform them of your findings? Even if they present speeches and assignments on-line, the idioms of face, voice, and body language need to be taught. Students need to be taught how body language, voice tone, and word choice make a difference in the message being sent.
I understand that computers for Idaho students will save money, but we will be asking a 15-year old to go to her room, log on, and do history? Really? Does she have the discipline to stay focused and complete the assignments without supervision? If you sent me to a Porsche showroom and told me that I had 45 minutes to count all the ceiling tiles I probably would not give you a very accurate number...
Are we preparing our students for success in the business world by having them do studies on-line? Are the needs of the Treasure Valley and the State of Idaho being addressed by providing our students with larger classes and less social interaction? Knowledge without grace is not very effective. Problem solving skills and group work will better allow our students to find success in the workforce and in their personal lives.

Rake-Up Boise

On Saturday, November 13, we will participate in Rake Up Boise where we go and rake and bag leaves for those near our school that are elderly and/or disabled.
This is the 15th year that we have participated in this community event (we also particpate in Sweep the River- working with Parks and Recreation to clean up the Boise River) and it is good for our students to give back to the community.
You are welcome to bring a rake and join us!

Halloween!

Our yearly tradition of Trick-Or-Treating on Warm Springs Boulevard was again a hit with our international students. Some of our international students do not know what it means to trick-or-treat and I once tried to explain that you knock on the door, yell, "trick-or-treat!" and the person answering the door gives you candy. One innocent international girl, said to me, "So we must beg for food?" Oh boy. I told another to bring aa bag for candy and she brought a sandwich baggie!
This year was much fun and I give much thanks to the homes on Warm Springs for providing candy for hundreds of costumed children!

Our 15th Year!!!

We are celebrating our 15th year as an accredited private high school! What a success! What support from SO many in the Treasure Valley and beyond...
Hundreds of students have benefited from our program and we are working to help many, many more!

We MOVED the school and have LOWERED tuition to reach more students!

So far this year we have students from Boise, Meridian, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Mexico, and Belgium! What a great mix! Skiing will be a first for many of them.

Two seniors (Scott and Hadrien) are settling into their senior year and working hard for standardized tests and college.

Dog Days of Summer

Yes, our school calendar has three months "off" for summer vacation.
I never really understood why we have that time off. We're not working the fields anymore.
I've always done academics in the summer. Something to keep learning. Yet we condition our teens that they can stop learning after the first part of June and not read/write/calculate until the end of August.
Many teachers need their break- I respect that (actually, many work another job). If the students are not academically at grade level, then they should be required to continue learning through summer...

It took an Army!

Good friends help you move, really good friends help you move bodies...

BUT! True supporters of Sheridan help you move a school!
We have moved to a new location to better serve our students. Our new address is 4948 Kootenai Street, Suite 205, Boise, Idaho 83705. Phone and fax stay the same. We are close to Cassia Park for sports and on a major bus route (Orchard Street) and close to BURGER TIME!!!!!!!

A very special thank you to all who helped us move! The trailers, trucks, and muscle were much appreciated. It is good to go through and clean out items that we have not used and probably will not use.
We appreciate the Board Members buying pizzas for all of us and everyone giving up a day to help our school.

We will have an Open House at our new location soon!

14th Graduation and Awards Banquet

On June 3, 2010, we held our 14th annual Graduation and Awards Banquet. Our two seniors, Supamitra Srisup and Nam Phan completed all requirements required for the State Of Idaho and our accreditation and they received their High School Diplomas! We are very proud of them and we are confident that they will do well in college!

Protocol...

I attended a huge high school graduation at the Taco Bell Arena recently. As I stood for our National Anthem and THEN our PLEDGE I took offense to you, in section 18, as you sat with your do-rag on your head, chatted with your "handicapped" mother/sister (she is handicapped because her knees gave out- her knees gave out because she got FAT) - you sat and bitched about parking while the rest of us sang with our hands over our hearts and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance...


I TEACH young men and women and I TEACH them that although they may not AGREE with things, they must RESPECT things...

My brother and father served in the miltary for this country, and your blatant disregard for protocol/respect/patriotism has prompted me to RANT to those who read this social network site.

Ten years ago I would have dragged you out of that forum for your disregard- remove you from a ceremony that means much to me and the others...

Shame on you!



In 1981, at Dodger Stadium, I saw two "men" drunk and dancing 10 rows below me during our National Anthem. As I sang with my hand over my heart, I found it odd that an old man was walking down the stairs towards these two punks (they don't even pour beer or serve you a hot dog during the National Anthem). The old man side-stepped past a couple then SUCKER punched one of the hat-wearing-disrespectful punks and sent him into the row in front.

Although the old man/veteran was removed by 3 security guards, we all applauded him...

Parmamedics collected the young guy on a stretcher.

I don't condone violence and I respect your rights, but when 1000 people are standing for our National Anthem at a HIGH SCHOOL graduation, you need to show respect for them.

Graduation...

The 14th Annual Sheridan Academy Graduation and Awards Banquet is next week (6/3/10). I am reflecting on the last 14 years of teaching at Sheridan Academy and I am pleased with what this "company" has become and what we produce.
After 14 years, alum come back and update us on what they have done post-Sheridan. we are always interested to see how they have grown and what they have experienced. Our alumni are in Korea (US Air Force), graduates of Boise State, Chico State, Oregon State, nursing programs, and other college programs.
We are proud of them.
This year I will hand two seniors a high school diploma. As always, I am nervous that they lack the skills that I know that they will need to be successful as full-time students at a university. And, every year, I am confident that we have done an excellent job preparing them for higher education.

I attended recently a large traditional school graduation for my step-daughter. So many students- I wonder where they will be in 5 or 10 years? Alas, I was 18 once also, and I figured it out...they will too.

My day-to-day job requirements often move me away from my students and more towards administration. I know that running this school requires much managerial and admin attention, but I feel most rewarded working with my students. I am blessed (as are the students and parents) with wonderful teachers that have sacrificed so much to help our students. I know that our students are receiving an outstanding education for Sheridan teachers.

It has been a good year...!

iPad

Our twice yearly trip to the Boise Library! Book Sale was a success. Our students saw and purchased many wonderful hard and paperback books. You could fill a bag for $9!
We always find something good to read...
A student once brought in an electronic "pad" on which were downloaded some classic books. I watched as he "turned" the pages tapping the screen with a stylus. We had the same book (Hemingway) in our library, but he read it on his liquid screen. I don't think that he ever finished the story.
Technology is here and must be embraced. However, as a teacher I must impart values to my students as well as knowledge. I want them to value books. I want them to feel the heft of the paper. I want them to smell the ink and dust. I want them to touch the pages. I want them to feel pride in ownership of a book that had an effect on them.

"We should only read books that wound or stab us."

Off the touristy main street in Santa Barbara was a non-descript run down store front. The half-hung sign that twisted in the breeze outside said, "Wilson's Books." No store hours were posted, the door locked, and through the dusty window I saw stacks of books and overstuffed shelves precariously close to each other.
Many times I walked by and I wondered if "Wilson" even existed- the store was never open.
I stopped taking the detour to visit the closed store for a long time. Then one afternoon I looked down the alley and the door was open! I entered and the musty smell and maze of stacked books were a stark contrast from the bight colors and neat rows of merchandise in nearby boutiques.
A croaky "Hello" startled me and I turned to see Wilson seated in a rocking chair reading a book. My first thought was "Mark Twain!" He had on a sweater with leather patches on the elbows, a shock of white hair, and was holding an unlit pipe. "Let me know if I can help you find something," he said barely taking his eyes off the page of his book.
Stepping over stacks of books (did the fire department know of this?) I discerned somesort of organization based on themes (Dewey's system was no where to be found), and soon I was in the "adventure" section...

Santa Barbara, California.

Many years ago I taught at a private school in La Canada, Ca. I had a student, Steven, from a family with money, yet he dressed acted like a ganster wannabe. I could not understand that his father (an NBC executive) and his mother (a lawyer) allowed this young man to dress and act the way that he did. He said that he would "cap" anyone who got in his way (?). I don't thinkthat he ever fired or owned a gun...

Perhaps he had the servants fooled, but not me. Once he was arrested for shoplifting packs of gum from a convenience store and he had $90 in his wallet! He wanted to be "tough," but I saw through his facade.

Alas, as my student, he admired my Mustang GT 5-speed, 5 litre rocket car.

One day after school, he was admiring the car and I asked if he wanted to go for a ride. Of course he said, "Yes!" and we were soon on the 210 freeway hitting 80 mph. After 30 minutes we were in a bad part of town- a place I would not want to be anytime.

As it was hot, I suggested that we get a Coke. I pulled up in front of a small mom-and-pop store and we got out. I opened the door to the store and let him walk in. I got back in the car with the intent to drive a couple blocks down and turn around, but the neighborhood got worse so I hopped on the freeway to the next exit to turn around and return to the store.

Standing in front of the store was Steven- clad in the huge hockey shirt, dangling "gold" chains, and his pants around his thighs. His eyes were wide as he asked where I had gone. I said, "It's cool, why don't you go over there and hang out with the "locals." At the corner were some tough young men eyeing Steven, me and the car. We were in a "gangsta" area and Steven was VERY uncomfortable (so was I)...

Maybe posing as someone you are not can be dangerous? We left quickly and he was silent on the ride back to the school.

It was weeks before he would talk about the "drive" or even consider riding in the car again (he did love the acceleration!). I asked him if he wanted to go for a ride again, and he looked at me with trepidation. I told him we'd head to the beach (1.5) hours. He finally agreed and on a Friday after school we drove to Santa Barbara. After blazing up the 101 freeway along the coast, we drove down Cabrillo Boulevard. Here were bistros, shops, nice cars, CLEAN streets, and the hustle-bustle of people working and shopping.

On the beach girls tanned and people played volleyball in the clean ocean air as the boats slipped in and out of the marina. On State Street, we passed a man sitting outside at the cafe, working on his laptop. The gleam from his dress shoes matched the gleam from his Porsche parked in the street. I commented to Steve, "What do you think he does?" Steven didn't know, and neither did I, BUT! we both agreed that he had a pretty cool lifestyle to be sipping a latte on a Friday afternoon in the sun at a cafe...

I told Steven that he had the opportunity to do whatever he wanted with his life. I shared that he acts/thinks/desires to be a gangster wannabe and that that is fine, but did he want the lifestyle that we had seen 6 weeks ago? Or did he want what we experinced in Santa Barbara? (I also mentioned that Playboy magazine has found more playmates in Santa Barbara than any other city- you gotta hit the kid's interests!).

He has the financial support to go to college and do something with an education, and I hoped for the best for him.

I left the private school in 1993- he was 16. I wonder what he decided to do?

Teachers open the door to education, but the students have to walk through...

International Students

We have a new student from Thailand! Jirayus has never seen snow, so his host family tok him to the mountains so he could play!

He is doing well at Sheridan and enjoys speaking Thai with another student, May.

His first day here I asked him if he played basketball. He said, "a little."

Well! THAT was not true! He gives Anthony and Meagan great competition and Jirayus is an excellent basketball player!!

Duty, Honor, Country

One of our many field trips to Gowen Field to tour the Idaho National Guard.

As the son of a Navy experimental test pilot, I am familiar with the protocol and expectations when on a military base. For some of our students, this is a new world.

To see a Master Sergeant standing at parade rest (and a BIG guy too!) was impressive as we walked into the tank traning facility. A place for everything, and everything in its place. No trash, everything clean and ready if you need it. We clamored through tanks, held machine guns, and learned that a tank was serious business.

Next was the flight line. Standing in a cold wind, we learned about the A-10 Warthog and how tough it is. If the F-35 comes to Gowen Field, then the A-10s will go to another base.

Each student sat in a $3,000,000.00 flight simulator and attempted to fly and shoor some targets. Interesting that my X-Box students did well...

We thank the Guardsmen and women for takign time to teach us about what they do, and why they do it.

Our Fundraiser was a hit! What amazing musicians who performed for our school! I have listened to Rosalie's CDs for years, but seeing her in concert was very impressive- a true performer. Ben Burdick and Bill Liles accompanied her (I have heard these guys many times at local venues, awesome!), and of course Gayle Chapman always does a fantastic job singing and playing.

The silent auction was great- many thanks to local businesses and individuals who donated items.

The wonderful crowd warmed my heart- there are so many people who support Sheridan and it was uplifting to see this support in one evening.

Kudos to Ha'Penny Bridge Pub for their excellent service and for owner Dale for allowing us to hold the concert there.

Finally, I am in awe of the work done by our Borad of Directors. These people were charged with a task and stepped up to the challenge! THANK YOU!

(I think we should do this again this Fall!)