Day seven: Sunday, December 17, 2006.

I managed to catch the tail end of the boy's varsity basketball game yesterday. Really tough loss after really spirited play. Falcons were down by one point in the last 1.6 seconds of the game. And in 1.6 seconds there is not a whole lot that can be done.  But I was really happy to be able to catch a last look at many of my students in the stands and on the court doing what I love seeing them do -- support each other in whatever is challenging at the moment.  I saw many more students and parents at the food court later.  Your kind words and offers of support and assistance had me in tears.  What a way to try and shop for last minute organizing materials -- wiping away tears, getting just a touch of composure only to meet someone else in the next aisle and start the crying over again. I apologize to any of you I upset with my own emotions. It must be a bit disturbing to see me a bit on the out-of-control side.

I am amazed to hear how quickly my situation has circulated via the internet. The mother of a former student approached me and said her husband had forwarded this web address to her. Where he got it from I don't know, but that is what I need to have keep happening if there is to be any change in the situation. I do believe that with the vocal support of this community I can be reinstated.  Parents and students have that power. As teachers and administrators, we have only the influence and authority the community grants. Mr. Thompson is a reasonable man and I think that, presented with the facts and the evidence the school has used to both praise and then fire me, he could well be moved to meet the community's needs and over-rule the tyranny and atmosphere of intimidation that has so suddenly been established in the last couple of months at Vilseck High School. 

I have also heard -- very quietly -- from some of my colleagues at the school. They are also baffeled by the events relating not only to my termination, but also to students being called into the Principal and Deputy Principal's office and being told this is "none of their business" and vilifying me for "trying to influence the students." I plead guilty to that! I tried to influence my students every day I was with them! Influence them to think about their futures, about the value of the decisions they are making in the moment. To think about the anger they are demonstrating distructively by the ugly words sometimes spoken on the spur of the moment and without an opportunity to take the words back and instead seek a better, peaceful, lawfull, healing resolution. I also tried to influence them to recognize the power that comes from studying and wielding the Art of Language within our study of Language Arts. It is through words coupled with action that good citizens are made.  OK, enough teacher-talk pontificating on the purpose of education that traces back to the ancient Greece.  really, enough now.

Today I am headed on post for a number of errands.  I know I'll see some of you there so I apologize in advance if my continued saddness at leaving Vilseck shows in my eyes. I'd like to be the brave "head held high" champion of all that is right in the world, but that's a tough job right now.  I promise I'll work on it though!