Words

Today I was reminded of one very simple truth...my words can make a difference in this world.

That may sound conceited, but I promise you that is certainly not the case.

Today I was pretty upset by an article written in our local newpaper. It was written to single out a teacher and a principal who were arrested for DUI back in November and December. The paper went into great detail of the police reports and any other information related to these incidences.

Before anyone tries to say anything, I was not upset that they were named in the paper...sort of. What upset me was the fact that common sense tell me there were many more DUI arrests made in our area from November 29 (the date of the first incident) until now. The paper specifically chose to single out these educators.

We called the reporter who wrote the article to ask what was the goal or purpose of writing this article and placing it on the front page of the paper. The reporter told us that it was his duty to report these arrests given the fact those involved were educators. He went on to say that the public had a right to know about the arrests simply because the educators' salaries are paid through tax dollars. He also went on to tell us that his editor was the one who asked him to research and write about these incidences.

I am upset by the double standard in the press. Why single out just teachers?

So in my anger and haste, I began drafting a letter to the editor of our local paper. I simply pointed out that I did not believe it was right to report on one particular profession because they were paid through tax dollars and to exclude all other professions funded through tax dollars.

In my letter, I pointed out that it should include city officials, judges, attorneys, bookkeepers, policemen, firefighters, animal control officers, city maintenance workers, and even our trash collectors. I even went so far as to suggest they should then look into the records of doctors since they were being paid with Medicare and other state funded insurance programs.

Finally, I decided to say that it seemed to me that the press had decided to publicly render a guilty finding on these individuals in the public eye by printing this article. I reminded them that any man or woman is innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of justice.

All in all, it was a great letter. If anyone would like to read the real thing, email me and I will send it. Remember, I need to keep some form of anonymity here.

As the day went on, I calmed down. I talked with several local and state union leaders to discuss the possibility of sending this letter. Someone pointed out that I have spent the entire school year rebuilding the relationships among the Director of School. our School Board, and the local teachers' union. If this letter were to be printed it could burn some bridges with the school administration, thereby destroying everything I have spent an entire year to rebuild.

Being in these leadership positions, I have learned that I sometimes have to take a step back, take many deep breaths, and then carefully choose the words I say. I am at a point in life where some very important local, state, and national leaders will be listening to what comes out of my mouth. My opinions matter.

The same can be said for life in general. I sometimes need to stop and think about the words I am using. It is never my intention to hurt or offend anyone. As a teacher, I am careful to choose my words so that they will show respect to all individuals. I never use words or phrases such as stupid, shut up (my personal pet peeve),  sucks, etc. As a human being, I try to choose my words in such a way that a person feels at ease around me and also knows I will be there to support them.

So, the moral of today's lesson is to choose your words carefully. You may never know the affect they may have on someone.

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IN OTHER NEWS

This week looks to be another whirlwind. I have two meetings plus the gym on Tuesday afternoon, a meeting and a spin class on Wednesday (yes, MNJ, SPIN CLASS...sorry I will miss your pink leg warmers. I would pay good money for that one!), a parent meeting on Friday, and a morning breakfast with state legislators on Saturday. My poor calendar looks like it is drowning in ink.

I want to send a shout out to Ryan and his brother Ty. Ty was in an accident last week and has been in the hospital since that time. He came out of the medically induced coma late last week, had the breathing tube removed a couple days ago, and is continuing to make improvements. I continue to pray for you guys and your family. It may be a long road ahead, but you know everyone will be here to support you.

Another shout out to Dean. My bud has been dealing with another bout of depression this past week. I knew something was up when I wasn't hearing from him. Dean, I have you can pull out of this current bout. I know you continue to struggle, but I know the strength is within you. All you have to do is believe it is there, pull it forward, and put it to use. I am aware that there is no simple answer for you. However, never forget that I will be here for you when you need someone to talk to about whatever. I am here!

My thoughts are with so many of you every day although I may not express it. Know I am thinking of each of you in my life, and I will be here for you as well. We all have struggles, bouts of depression, but we all also have those wonderful times in our lives. I will be here for those, too.

Okay! I had some other thoughts that I wanted to share, but I find I am not ready to lay it all out for you just yet. There are some very intricate details that I need to go over before I decide to discuss this one. That will be for another day.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Take Care,

- JC