Teachers - You Never Know Where Your Influence Ends...

This entry is the result of an assignment from one of the classes that I am taking to get my principal licensure.   Thought you might like to take a look...esp. high school classmates!

                When reflecting upon the leaders that have been influential in my life, fortunately, a number of people come to mind.  There are the obvious leaders of my parents and even parents of some of my high school friends.  In addition, being in the business of education and specifically music education where it is so important to be up-to-date and aware of new ideas within the content area, I have a number of friends and colleagues who have been influential to me professionally and personally.  However, through all of these relationships, I consistently come back to one person who has been a leader for me since I was in the 8^th grade.  This person is my band director and his name is Don Jenkins.

                Don came to Troy when I was in 8^th grade.  By this time, I had been in band since 5^th grade and was learning quite a bit about music and band.  The previous band director, Chris Rowe had moved to Alabama and Troy hired Don to work in tandem with the other main band director of the district, John Slonaker.  Being that John was the music department head and had other responsibilities in the district besides band, Don’s assignment was all of the junior high bands as well as high school band.    

                The first performance I remember with Don was a fall activity in which the band played in the stands at one of the junior high football games.  It was a very big deal (especially to junior high students) and Don hyped it up even more.  I remember feeling especially proud that I was part of something that was fun and good (as an aside, I even remember playing our junior high fight song “Stand Up and Cheer” and “Windy”).  From that time, I was totally hooked.  Not only to band as I began to bond with many friends in this activity (there were approximately 30 people from my elementary school alone), but also to Don as a teacher.  He made it fun, but there was always hard work involved.  He wouldn’t accept mediocrity and demanded that we do things over and over again until “we got it right”. 

                The example of his work ethic and insistence on success influenced me greatly.  I learned as a teenager that it was important to always put forth a good image and to make sure that I continued to work hard to be successful.  From Don, I learned that success could be achieved through hard work.  This example reminds me of a quote that someone recited to me through the years that was “I might not be able to out-smarter my enemies, but I can definitely out-work them”. 

                During high school, I spent as much time as possible in the band room.  I arranged a study hall so that I could go to the band room to practice, help with music filing and honestly, just hang out.  In the fall, we had band practice right after school.  Even though I frequently left practice early to play/practice high school volleyball, I always found myself back in the band room at the end of practice to see who was there, what the plans were for the night, etc.

                High school was a particularly rough patch for me as I suppose it is for most teenagers.  I thought my parents didn’t love me (which of course wasn’t the case), experimented with hazardous behavior and was pretty miserable for most of my sophomore and junior years.  It was during this time that Don was definitely influential in my life.  I had the discipline and connections of band, the love of music and friends throughout band, but Don was always there double checking on me.  I remember that one time near the end of my junior year he called me to his office.  I obediently appeared and he proceeded to let me know that he had heard some bad rumors about me and he was concerned for me.   He suggested ways that I could get help and encouraged me to better decisions.  He also confirmed to me that he cared about me and that he wanted the best for me.  It was this small 5 minute conversation that began to turn my life around.  As I entered my senior year, I was more focused on school, making good decisions and planning for my future.

                Approximately around January of my senior year, I was trying to figure out what I would like to study in college.  No one in my family had been to college, so I was treading on unknown ground and was not quite sure what I wanted to do.  The “D” I received in chemistry class as a junior was confirming to me that my quest to become some type of doctor was probably not a great option, but I was struggling as to what I should do.  Again, Don’s interest in me helped to shape me and my future.  Don had asked if I would like to become a music teacher.  While I definitely had an interest in music and had enjoyed my time in band, I hadn’t really considered a career in music.  Don encouraged me to take private lessons, attend solo and ensemble and eventually apply at Morehead State University (again another suggestion by Don after I had expressed that I didn’t want to follow my high school friends to Bowling Green State University or be a number at a large college like Ohio State).  I applied at Morehead, auditioned (with the accompaniment and ride by my high school Orchestra teacher Jane Stuart) and was given acceptance (complete with a music scholarship and grants).  I also auditioned and was accepted at Otterbein in Columbus, but from the minute I stepped on Morehead’s campus to audition, I knew I was in the right place.  Again, Don was helping to lead me to good decisions and a career.

                Don has always said that my class was a unique class and now that I’m a music educator, I am able to understand exactly what he meant.  My class got together at each other’s houses (garages or even barns) to play music together even during 8^th grade.  I vividly remember sitting at the piano with some of my friends from band playing “Seven Bridges Road” over and over again until we wrote down all of the notes (including the harmony) and then transferring that to our band instruments to be able to play it together.  We also played school songs, pep music and honestly, anything else that we could get our hands on.  We all had a connection through music and the love of music that was instilled in us by Don.  This connection is still very strong among us and new social networking technology has helped to make this even stronger.  In our mid to late 20’s we annually got together at Christmastime to celebrate friendship, talk about band and simply enjoy each other.  As we have grown into our mid-40’s and have growing families (and even grandchildren), we don’t get together like we used to, but we still talk electronically frequently and keep up with each other and our activities.  When we graduated there were 14 music majors in our senior class.  Seven of us actually graduated with music degrees while the others participated in music activities in college, but found that the rigors of music education weren’t for them.  Today, there are still two high school band directors, two general music teachers and one professional musician in our lot.  I think Don was very accurate in his estimation of my class and I now know that this type of group of students is very rare (I have been teaching 23 years and have never had a class like this). 

                As I began college, Don was always an advisor to me.  I called he and his wife frequently (and many times late at night) for help with music theory, band assignments and just overall friendship.  Both

of them were always there and never complained about the frequency or time of my calls. 

The search for a job once I had graduated, once again led me back to Don and Bonnie (his wife).  They suggested job openings and gave me encouragement to continue to apply for many schools.  Late in the summer (as far as band directors are concerned), a job opened at Covington High School in Ohio. The job seemed to fit me and was close to my parents’ house.  This seemed like a great opportunity for me if I could gain an interview.  I called Don and he called people that he knew within the district (he had taught there early in his career and still knew some of the administrators).  Soon, I had an interview and was offered the job.  We went to band camp only 5 days after I was hired (this IS NOT an ideal situation for a new band director).  Again, Don and Bonnie helped me write a show and prepare for my first introduction to music education.

                Since that time in 1988, both Don and Bonnie have been great colleagues, mentors and friends of mine.  Don has taught my students lessons and came to my aid as an assistant band director for almost a year when a very unfortunate incident occurred to one of my colleagues in October approximately five years ago.  Now, Don still helps me clinic my bands and helps my students to improve musically.  He is an advisor, a mentor and a friend.  His leadership that he has shown me for 30+ years has made me the person and the musician that I am today.  As I tell my students frequently, I do what I do not for me (although I enjoy it), but I do it for them (my students) because someone did it for me.

My ultimate reward in my career is twofold.  First, my hope is that my students continue to play, enjoy and appreciate music throughout their entire lifetime. Secondly, I hope that I can influence at least one student to enjoy education and music enough to continue the cycle that Don has begun.  Thank you Don Jenkins!

Thoughts While Working On My Homework

     The last couple of days have brought me to the public library to do my homework.  I have both Wifi and airconditioning at home, but I find that I am easily distracted by two cats (especially the one that was PURCHASED...don't ever do this...it's not as good as it sounds:), the television and other distractions that I can avoid by going to the library.  Two days ago, I noticed a gentleman and a lady, both around their late 20's, taking a nap in two chairs near the back of the library.  Upon further inspection, I  noticed that they had 3 or 4 Wal-Mart bags with them and a small cylindrical package that said "summer dome tent" on it.  The lady was wearing slipper-type shoes and had glasses with frames that looked fairly new and seemed well-kept even though she was wearing clothes that were more appropriate for fall (including a pair of sweat pants).  The gentleman had on lace-up ankle shoes that I would also equate with fall, jeans and a t-shirt.  He looked a little less put together than the lady, but still looked fairly presentable and clean shaven.  They napped most of the time that I was there, so honestly I didn't pay much attention to them after I first noticed them.
     Yesterday, I went to the library again and I noticed that they were there.    This time they were playing checkers against each other at a table.  Again, I noticed their packages stuffed neatly under a chair just a few feet away from them.  Later, I noticed that the lady had a piece of paper in her hand and was actively doing something in the library (possibly some type of job hunting, etc.).
     I know that the situation above happens frequently (unfortunately probably more now than ever) and I don't blame this couple for using their resources to be cool and comfortable on these hot uncomfortable days.  I guess I was just a little taken aback that these folks were in my small town library and it didn't seem like anyone (including me) was noticing that they might need help.  Maybe they actually aren't homeless or don't want help, but it just got me thinking about life and how things come to be.
     I'm not sure if this couple is going to be at the library again (I have escaped to Ruby Tuesdays today since they also have Wifi and I had a lunch meeting first), but I think if they are around again I'm going to take it upon myself to say something to them to see if they need help.
     And, I probably won't thank them personally, but I did want to thank them publicly for reminding me how lucky I really am.  And also reminding me that even though I assume that all of my students have a bed to sleep in, someplace to wash clothes and 3 good meals a day, that that isn't always the situation even in my middle-class hometown. And, finally, to push myself to take risks to reach out to those who might be in need even if it's uncomfortable for me to do.
    Thanks...and now back to the homework....

I. Personnel

Sunnyville employs a number of employees. The majority of these employees are teachers who work directly with and are in charge of the students. In addition, there are a number of employees that are hired to support the teachers in helping to educate the students. These employees are Intervention assistants, study hall monitors, custodians, lunch room monitors, cafeteria workers and playground supervisors.

Since Sunnyville, is just outside of a major city, there are many people who enjoy an urban setting who have chosen Sunnyville as their home. This creates a somewhat diverse population within Sunnyville and specifically within the school district. The majority of the employees are between the ages of 30-65. The younger population tends to be attracted to either rural settings or true inner city, so there are not many employees in this age range. However, since Sunnyville has two retirement communities, many of these older residents have obtained employment with the school district to supplement their income. 

 Like the town, there is some diversity in the school system with African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American all being represented, but the majority of the school system is still dominated by Caucasians.

The traditions and culture of this school still value education and therefore, the educators and administration are very involved in the school and planning for the students' future. The other personnel are also involved in the school and abide by the saying of “it takes a village to raise a child".  They are willing to stay late to help teachers by making sure the school is clean, classrooms look interesting and bright and collaborate with the teachers to ensure a good learning environment for the students. 

V. Building and Facilities Usage

Although it is an older building (1940’s), Sunnyville High School is still in really good shape and the district makes the most out of what they have.  Even though brick was expensive right after the War, the town decided that the cost would be worth the longevity of the building.  This decision was accurate because the building is still in very good shape today after 70+ years.  The brick on the outside has stood the test of time and seems like it will hold for another 70 years.  The inside, although older, still looks almost new due to the willingness and respect of the students, teachers and staff for the building.   Again, it seems as if this building will last for many years.  The roof unfortunately is flat like many roofs of this time period, but the district has been vigilant in repairing leaks and replacing the roof when needed.

Ultimately, the daily maintenance of the building is kept by the qualified custodians who ensure that the school is clean from top to bottom.  In addition, the principal, with the support of the Superintendent and school board, also helps to maintain the building by noticing building needs and repairing them as soon as possible.

The school building itself is three stories tall with large staircases inside. It is placed on top of a hill and has many cement stairs leading up to the main entrance.  A parking lot across the street has been expanded in order to accommodate the staff and the many new, young drivers excited about their daily transportation to school.  In addition, the entrance on the left of the school has been adapted with a large cement ramp to allow those with handicaps to easily access the building.  With this in mind, an elevator was also retrofitted into the building to allow the students travel easily between floors.   The classrooms are grouped by subject area with the typical gymnasium, auditorium, art and music and cafeteria on the bottom floor to allow easy access in and out of the school.  

The second floor has a large commons area that allows the students to congregate in the morning before school.  It also is popular during lunch and gives an area for the students to interact without disturbing the rest of the school.  Also on this floor is the teacher’s lounge which is large and allows the teachers to interact during lunch and their planning times.  In addition, it allows the teachers access to many of the students before and during school without having to look up schedules, contact the main office, etc.

The walls are painted in the school colors (scarlet and gray) along with the lockers.  This gives the school building itself school spirit and hopefully, inspires the students to care about the school building. There are strips of corkboard on the walls throughout the school to allow for student artwork and projects as well as a place for advertisements of dances and other school activities.

Recent events concerning school safety have changed safety procedures and equipment for the school.  The doors are now locked during the day and only opened after the school secretaries have screened the person(s) who wishes to come in.  In addition, there are security cameras in the halls to protect the students and staff before, during and after school.  However, all in all, the school building is very traditional, well-kept and a treasure in the community.

VII. Finances and Resources

                 Like other schools in the state, most of the money to run the school comes from

tax levies.  Due to the economy, many of the schools are struggling to finance public education within their communities.  Luckily for the community of Sunnyville, education is still very important and the residents are willing to still help fund the school system.  Sunnyville recognizes that they are very lucky and have tried to cut back on costs within the school system without impacting the staff and the students.  So far, they have been successful at these reductions and have not had to cut programs or people.  The Sunnyville Board of Education is hopeful that the state will soon find other ways to fund schools so that the communities don’t constantly have to be worried about rising taxes (especially in the current state of the economy).

            The school Treasurer and Superintendent work hand-in-hand with the members of the school board in order to keep the district afloat.  They have introduced cost-cutting measures such as central printers, copying on both sides of the paper, central appliances (refrigerators, microwaves, etc.) as well as many cost-efficient changes to the buildings within the district.  They have also encouraged the teachers and staff to become involved by turning off lights and making suggestions on ways to cut costs.

            Ultimately, the principals of each building decide the best way to run to the school on the budget that has been allotted to them.  The principals have instructions that they are not allowed to run over budget.  Understanding, the nature of their assignment, the principals are careful to use their money wisely and make the most out of what is available to them.  The Superintendent and Treasurer oversee this spending to make sure that monies are used correctly and fairly throughout the district. 

            The principal (and the school) annually sponsors fundraisers to help fund the school.  While the high school students don’t usually participate well in these fundraisers, the principal is still able to supplement his budget with extra money to purchase incentives for the students and staff as well as the occasional large budget item.  In addition, the district encourages donations from within the community, so there are individuals who frequently donate money or items to the school in exchange for a tax deduction. 

VIII. Parents and Community Relations

The parents of Sunnyville are involved in their community and specifically education within their district.  Even though Sunnyville is fairly close to a major city, Sunnyville has more of a small town feel to it and therefore, has some of the same qualities and cultural that a rural community would have.  The parents make sure that their students attend school.  In addition they are involved in the educational process by making sure students do homework, attend parent meetings, volunteer for activities where parents are needed, etc. 

The school has a business partner program that allows them to participate with a local business throughout the year.  This business helps out the school by monetary donations, but also provides adults to help at dances, decorate for school events and volunteer in helping to run the school and creating a positive atmosphere for students.  Visitors to the school can see this business’ involvement through the banner that hung inside the front door of the school (recognizing the business partners) and also by the clothing that is worn by the volunteers from the community.  In addition, the businesses also make annual donations of school supplies for needy students that have their business logo printed on them. 

XI. My Realities

            There are few barriers that exist within my school district that impede the characteristics articulated above.  I would say that (as with all school systems) money is probably the number one issue within my district.  Happily, I would have to say that money (or the lack thereof) hasn’t affected my district much at all.  While we are certainly not rich and we have definitely had to tighten the purse strings, I feel very lucky that we are where we are ($11 million surplus this year).  I know that as stimulus money dries up and expenses raise, this might not always be the case.  Yet, we have money to repair our schools, the buildings themselves are in good shape (even though the NEWEST one is over 30 years old and the OLDEST is over 100 years old), the community cares about education and with exception of a few rough years in the late nineties they have always supported our school levies.  This exercise has helped to remind me how lucky I and to not complain when I have to turn off a light or get rid of a microwave to save money.