Rally Cry- "One School!"

Blog post #3


September 22, 2009

Rally Cry- “One School!”

One of my former wresters, a 2009 graduate, stopped by my office to drop off an envelope last week. His parents had documents that needed delivery and John agreed to bring them. While we visited, John explained that he was heading off to college next week and shared some of his plans for the year. I was glad to speak with him; we had developed a strong relationship during his wrestling career and I was glad he was excited about starting college.

Before leaving he gave me a letter that was to be read later. The visit was a welcome distraction to a long day and a busy week, but the letter gave me new energy around the work we are engaging in at THS this year. I misted up a bit to learn that John not only valued our relationship deeply, but more importantly, recognized that his relationship with me, and other coaches and teachers, over the past four years helped him stay clear of smoking and other negative peer pressures while trying to accomplish lofty goals and dreams. I called John later to thank him for the kind letter and ask permission to reference and quote him in my blog. A line from John’s letter that made me reflect on how important relationships are to the teaching profession stated, “You've always been the person that I immediately think of when a survey about Tahoma asked, 'Do you have a faculty member that you can talk to for any problems you encounter?' You have always been there for me, teaching me, guiding me down the right path, pushing me to be the best, helping to shape me into the man that I will ultimately become.”

I was reminded by the letter that a relationship with a teacher, coach or other positive adult is a crucial resource that all our students need but all students do not get. Regardless of our students’ backgrounds, they are going to face social and academic challenges while in school and any additional support through positive relationships can only increase our kids’ chances for success. In my mind, “One School” is a place where every student has an adult they can relate to and count on.

I regularly reflect on a relationship I was fortunate to have during high school with a teacher that I felt connected to and knew I could count on. The relationship was a “difference maker” in my life. Coach Brown could be regularly found at practice wearing his retro singlet under his “short” shorts but over his collared polo shirt; something to this day I still smile about. Larry could also be found on a regular basis sporting dapper suits or stylish tie and suspender combos. Yet, regardless of how he dressed for practice or class, I could count on the fact that Coach Brown would be there each day waiting with whistle in hand and a kind word for me at the door. Coach Brown and his staff created an environment that allowed us to do more than just become wrestlers; we were given life coaching and an opportunity to become young men of substance. His commitment, consistency and high expectations for “his boys” were enough to make me love him forever. Though I learned and experienced many things while under Coach Brown’s watch, it was the personal relationship and respect between us that I appreciated most.

After meeting with students and staff last month to discuss how we can improve our learning community through respect, effective communication and a shared understanding of the “One School” concept, I have thought about our discussions and responses several times. I am starting to think that “One School” should be the rally cry for both staff and students to come together as we work to increase: respect, effective communication and engagement with members of our learning community. The increased respect and relationships in our building due to a “One School- charge!” could be the difference maker in moving our learning community from “good to great!”

Go Bears!