Flooded Again

The folks at Bowers Beach had to deal with flooding again. Perhaps that is a price you pay when living in paradise. Reports are that everyone is OK, though I’m sure there was plenty of damage and muck to clean up.

I’ve written about this before, so if you’ve already heard this story, I apologize. But, when it rains and brings flooding in November, I am taken back to the image of a school almost washed away in the mountains of West Virginia in 1985. At that time I worked in the Central Office, but just a few years before I had been principal at Marlinton Elementary. The main building was in the flood plain. We knew that and tolerated the occasional heavy rain that pooled in the road and leaked muddy water under the door sills.

In 1978 we built a new elementary school on 3 feet of fill to get it well above the 100 year flood line. What we didn’t know was that in a few years, we would find out what a 500 year flood would be like. That means the kind of high water that may come around once every 500 years.

After moving school buses and district vehicles to higher ground, we all went to bed that night, knowing there was more water in the streets than ever and fearing for the safety of those we knew lived in its direct path. When your whole town is built in the flood plain of a significant river that is fed by high wall mountain streams, flood water can come in like a tidal wave.

I was up at daylight and glad to see the high water mark in my neighborhood stopped at the corner, 3 doors down. I was the first on the scene at school. Wearing my fishing waders I didn’t have to wait for the water to totally subside. I found that the water had reached around 8 feet in the old main building and 5 feet in the new school.

It is amazing how the water, with no doors or windows open, managed to reach the same level inside the buildings as outside. Equally amazing was the amount of mud that came with it. When the flood subsided, each classroom looked like the bottom of a peanut butter milk shake. Furniture was churned and scattered with books and other materials and all was covered in 3 - 6 inches of stinky brown muck.

Across the street sat the modest home of my friend Arch, a retired high school teacher and football coach and his wife Trudy, a kindergarten aide. Siding was missing from the house and the back deck was gone. The water line was two feet above the top of the front door. I knocked, assuming that they had left for high ground the night before and was surprised to have them both come to the door. We hooted and hollered and hugged just to see that they were OK.

They told me that as the water entered their house quickly. There was no time to wade out, so they got a step ladder and moved through the small square hatch that gave access to their tiny attic. You couldn’t help but laugh when Arch described how hunger took over good sense in the middle of the night, causing him to strip naked and swim in the icy pool that was their kitchen in order to recover a pot roast that Trudy had protected by stowing it on top of the fridge.

Thank God there were no lives lost in Marlinton that time. We learned through that flood that it’s just stuff. Stuff can be hosed off with a fire hose and re-used or thrown away and replaced. We were cleaned up and back in school in a week. We learned that people will show up from hundreds of miles away to help. We learned to appreciate that a community and its spirit could never be dampened by a little rain.

Teacher of the Year

It is a simple word – teacher. Young children learn it early. If not by entering pre-school they learn the word from an older sibling who loves to play school.

The world has been shaped by so many teachers. Jesus is often called teacher in the scriptures. Many other spiritual leaders of the world’s religions have been called teacher as well. Most made their impact upon their followers by being a great teacher.

World famous teachers have shaped our understanding of science and math, our world the universe and our role in it. Einstein, Aristotle, Confucius, Sir Isaac Newton.

Outside of the immediate family, nobody has more influence over the development of a child than teacher. How many parents, in fact, tire of their little ones who might too frequently begin a sentence with “Teacher says….”.

To be a teacher is to follow a calling. Not everyone is cut out for it. In fact, just recently I was talking to a past Lake Forest graduate, who while substitute teaching, told me he intended to go back to college and get that teaching degree. But after 3 months substitute teaching in one room and all the responsibility that goes with it, he changed his mind and pursued another career.

It is not an easy job. ABC and 123 is not so complicated on the surface, but soon the words and numbers are arranged in all sorts of complicated groups and patterns with other special symbols and add to that the influence of 20 or more students at a time and their present state of mind - nutrition and hygiene and hormones and ADHD and learning disabilities and a lady bug just landed on my desk.

Teachers are not all interchangeable. She who loves 5 year olds may loathe and fear 15 year olds. He who loves history may stumble through biology. It takes a specialized understanding of the subject and an appreciation for the age group. It also takes a willingness to think like a teacher 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This year’s Lake Forest Teacher of the Year is Karen Williams. She was recently honored at a banquet at Dover Downs along with other district teachers of the year from all over Delaware. She was not selected to be State Teacher of the Year, but she would’ve made a good one. A social studies teacher at Lake Forest High, Mrs. Williams’ strong suit is community service and student activities. For years she has sponsored student government and developed the leadership skills of our students, preparing them to take care of our government and our businesses in our old age.

Blood drive – Lake Forest collects the most blood. Pass the hat among students and Mrs. Williams’ kids have raised thousands and thousands of dollars for local charities. Homecoming – that’s her baby. You will find her in the background of so many of our more well known community events. Her dedication to the school and community are noteworthy and our children are lucky to have her.

Mrs. Williams represents all of our finest teachers. Until next October, her picture with some of her students posed at the Food Bank will grace the billboard on Rt. 13 North just before Paradise Alley. We’re proud of her and the way she represents the district. We’re glad she’s a Spartan

It's the Principal of the Thing

Last Thursday afternoon Governor Markell, as a part of his visit to W.T.Chipman Middle School, signed a proclamation declaring that day to be Principal Recognition Day. The reason for such declarations is to draw attention to the important role of the principal and how hard it is taking care of the critical business of managing adults in such a way to assure that children learn and dream.

But, I feel that I must say from my point of view, being a principal is the best job in the business.

Principals have great power. The power comes from several directions. First, our American culture knows what a principal is. We all went to school. We all remember the principals of the schools we attended. We may have been frequent flyers to the principal’s office as children or we may have had little contact with them, but we automatically assign them a role of importance in our community. From 9 to 90, when we meet someone who says they are a principal, we automatically classify them as someone worthy of respect.

Principals, in the eyes of the students, are major real estate owners. The kids think they own the school. The little ones even think they live there. To the principal, sometimes it feels like you live there.

But, the real estate extends beyond the school, to the geographical boundaries of the school’s attendance area. So, in a way, Principals are like Governors of all youth development activities of little geo-political territories. They can drive down most any road within their attendance area and look at any house with children as the location of some of their constituents. Or they may consider the families of this territory to be the customers for their business.

If as principal, you live and shop and do business within the district, you must be aware that you are still the principal everywhere you go. Need some pain killer at Happy Harry’s? Be ready to say hello to one of your students. Going to Food Lion for a big load of groceries or just a gallon of milk? Be prepared to lean on your cart and chat with a parent or grandparent of one of your kids.

Being a principal is a 24 hour a day job and it takes a special person to understand that and enjoy it.

But the best part about being a principal is being around children and getting to do the kinds of things that children enjoy – and getting paid for it. At school we read and sing and eat and play and build things and bake things and dance and paint and laugh and sometimes get dirty. I can’t imagine any other work place environment where all of those things can happen on any given day. Can you? Only at school.

As principal, you get to take part in the reading and singing and eating and playing and building and baking and dancing and painting and laughing and getting dirty. It’s your job to be child-like while supervising. You are expected to be there. After all, sometimes you have to try the cup cakes to make sure they’re safe for everyone.

In past weeks I’ve seen principals dressed as story book heroes. I’ve seen principals splash through a slip’n slide just to make the students howl. I’ve seen them dance the Macarena in the morning and pass out hugs in the afternoon.

Yes, being a principal is a hard job. Children don’t always behave and parents are not always happy. But, there is no other job in the world where the pure child-like fun helps to balance out the more difficult days. And nobody, I mean nobody, gets more hugs.

The Ambulance in the Valley

I love this old poem by Joseph Malins written in 1895. It still carries valuable lessons for us. I used it in a speech this week. What does it say to you?

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke, and full many a peasant.
The people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally.
Some said "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

The lament of the crowd was profound and was loud,
As their tears overflowed with their pity;
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day
As it spread through the neighboring city.
A collection was made, to accumulate aid,
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave dollars and cents--not to furnish a fence--
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right if you're careful," they said;
"And, if folks ever slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below--when they're stopping."
So for years (we have heard), as these mishaps occurred
Quick forth would the rescuers sally,
To pick up the victims who fell from the cliff,
With the ambulance down in the valley.

Said one, in a plea, "It's a marvel to me
That you'd give so much greater attention
To repairing results than to curing the cause;
You had much better aim at prevention.
For the mischief, of course, should be stopped at its source;
Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally.
It is far better sense to rely on a fence
Than an ambulance down in the valley."

"He is wrong in his head," the majority said,
"He would end all our earnest endeavor.
He's a man who would shirk this responsible work,
But we will support it forever.
Aren't we picking up all, jut as fast as they fall,
And giving them care liberally?
A superfluous fence is of no consequence
If the ambulance works in the valley."

But a sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be much stronger.
Encourage them then, with your purse, voice and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young, than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling,
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best
To prevent other people from falling."
Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley
Better put a strong fence 'round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

Making School A Moving Experience

In 1975 the rate of obesity among children was 5%. In 2008 the rate of obesity among children had plumped to 16%.

Today 1 in 3 children will develop diabetes without significant lifestyle changes.

Today 37% of Delaware’s children are overweight or obese.

In 1960, 60% of the kids walked to school. Today barely 10% walk.

Since 1991 there has been a 500% increase in the number of prescriptions written for children with attention disorders.

There is one thing that is research proven to change all of the above trends – physical activity.

We can all identify many of the contributors to this phenomenon of increasing obesity in America. Computers, video games and cell phones have taken the place of after school bike riding, neighborhood whiffle ball games, hide and seek or flag football.

Concerns for child safety have caused parents to be more protective and less likely to be comfortable with their children getting on their bikes and being gone until dark. Organized sports make it happen for some, but even those kids on a team don’t necessarily stay active when the season is over.

And, of course, the intimate relationship we have with the fast food drive through window hasn’t helped.

That’s why the Lake Forest School District has joined with the Nemours Health and Prevention Services to push for more physical activity time for our students, particularly our younger ones. The facts used to start this commentary come from a presentation prepared by the Nemours folks entitled Make School a Moving Experience.

With assistance from a grant through The Nemours Foundation, all Lake Forest elementary schools will be striving to assure that each child has 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Our grant covers grades K-5, but W.T.Chipman Middle School has asked to be included so we’ll support their efforts, too.

Today’s elementary school children have physical education taught by the Phys Ed teacher just once a week for 30-40 minutes. That’s not nearly enough, but to have “gym class” daily would require the employment of about 10 more PE teachers and the construction of a whole lot of gym space. I assure you, that isn’t going to happen any time soon.

So, how are we going to get more physical activity at school without increasing phys ed classes? We have been experimenting with a number of strategies. Some start every morning with school-wide exercise. They may call that time Jammin Minutes or Smartin Spartan Stretch -- 5-7 minutes of exercise as a part of the morning announcements. They also may randomly call for “Drop Everything and Jam” though out the week. Teachers and students alike, love the interruption and appreciate the opportunity to get off their seat and on their feet for exercise and dance.

All are working to be sure recess time is sacred (should rarely be taken away as punishment) and to be sure all students are active. No book reading during recess – get that heart rate up.

W.T.Chipman has set aside a room and is raising money for fitness equipment. If you have any good quality fitness equipment that you would like to donate, please let us know.

It took years for us to gain this much weight. We’re not going to fix it all in one year. But, we recognize that healthy children will learn better. We recognize that healthy children become healthy citizens.

We hope you’ll support our efforts to Make School A Moving Experience.

Consolidation of Schools

Lake Forest was born out of the state legislature in a bill known as the Education Advancement Act. It was determined, by the powers that be, that Delaware had too many tiny school districts. I suspect advocates for the Act argued that students would have greater opportunities and more diverse courses if larger schools were created. This was especially true for high school students. It was a popular move all over the United States in the late 60s.

Now, some folks in power are pushing for the consolidation of school districts once again in Delaware. They suggest that Delaware is not large enough for 16 districts (19 if you include the vo-techs). Some advocate for a move to just 3 school districts, one for each county. If successful, what was once Lake Forest, would be folded into the newly formed Kent County School District along with Caesar Rodney, Capital and Smyrna.

Prior to arriving in Lake Forest, I served as Superintendent for 8 years of Wood County School District in West Virginia with a student population of 15,000. We had 28 schools which included 3 high schools, 5 junior highs, 20 elementary schools, a vocational school and shared operation of school on the local community college campus.

I have extensive knowledge and experience from running county school systems. And, I have an opinion about further consolidation in Delaware, based upon that experience. My opinion, leave it alone. Let’s explore the issues.

Pro: Advocates for consolidation believe that it will save lots of money in operation costs, particularly because it will reduce the number of high paid administrator positions. I would agree that in theory, the administrative team could be reduced some when consolidation occurs. Sorry, this is the only pro that I can come up with.

Con: Some salary dollars can be saved through reducing administrators, but combining districts would require agreeing to one pay scale. All pay grades would be raised to whichever pays the most. For instance if a teacher with 20 years experience and a masters degree makes $1500 more in Smyrna than in Lake Forest, Capital and Caesar Rodney, the teachers from the lower paying districts will need leveled up. All teachers in the new Kent County District with a masters degree and 20 years should make the same.
I suspect that if one compares the cost of leveling up the salaries of all other employee categories, you find that you spend more than you save in reduced administrator positions. So you would spend more than you save and none of it would go for more teachers or more resources for kids.

Con: Nobody I know who is a fan of consolidation has suggested that it’s good for kids. There is no evidence, no research to suggest that bigger school districts have more successful students. In fact, much research points to smaller units being more effective.

Con: Presently in Lake Forest, the whole community finds the superintendent and the board of education easily accessible when they have problems or issues they want to discuss. We can provide good customer service because we live, shop and worship in the Lake Forest communities. If we were a part of a Kent County District, we might have one elected person from this area on the board of education. The board member would have to be concerned with programs, equity and resources with al Kent County Schools. We can assume that the main office would be in Dover. Your child may attend the same school, but it would be a part of a district with about 25,000 other kids.

My bias is clear, I’ll admit. As a superintendent of 21 years I have been a leader of K-12 school districts with 1500 students, 4000 students, 5000 students and 15,000 students. But, my bias is based upon some experience. I’d be glad to know what you think.

The Class of 1970

In the fall of 1969, newly built Lake Forest High School welcomed its first students. Cobbled together from Felton, Frederica and Harrington districts; students who were previously Green Devils and Lions came together to become Spartans. The seniors, the class of 1970, would be the first graduates of Lake Forest School District.

I wasn’t there, but in a way I was with them because I too was of the class of 1970 in another state, 300 miles away. So I’m going to refer to them as “our class”.

These were exciting times. Our class was full of hopes and dreams. We knew that anything was possible. After all, that summer we sat glued to our TVs on a hot July evening and watched Neil Armstrong take that “giant leap” on the moon. We walked on the moon, man!

It was that hopefulness that caused us to believe in Richard Nixon. We all wanted peace. Our songs were about love and peace and harmony. We counted on him to put an end to the war in Viet Nam.

It was a time of muscle cars and short, short skirts. What kids wore to school in those days, looked nicer than anything they would wear to church today. Crisp button down collar shirts for the boys. Plaid jumpers and skirts for the girls. Did I mention how short the skirts were?

In 1970 the number one song was Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel and the number one movie was Love Story, though Patton took Best Picture honors.

Lake Forest High School’s 92,650 square feet facility opened at a cost of around $2.5 million. Today’s prices would push a school that size to around $28 million. It was built on 156 acres purchased for $70,150. Now there’s a good deal. The program from the dedication ceremony says it was designed with flexibility for “group instruction of various sizes, economy coupled with durability, beauty without luxury, adaptability for future expansion and possible curriculum changes.”

If you’ve ever wondered what the heck that is that covers the exterior walls, the program describes it as “troweled aggregate (stone chips embedded in plastic) on concrete-coated, heavy-duty dry wall.” I’ll bet in its day, that finish was stylish and modern looking. Now it looks tired. We’ll see if we can’t get some brick to take its place someday.

And, oh yes, with modular heating and cooling up on that flat roof, the design was thought to be superior to having a central boiler. Each zone could be kept at different temperatures. Nobody expected that all those roof units would require hundreds of holes in the roofing, which I’m told, led to some chronic issues in the early years with leaks.

I recently had the opportunity to flip through the 1970 year book which made me smile. The 125 seniors of the class of 1970 was an exceptionally good looking group. They were athletes and musicians and poets and farmers. I’m sure they’ve gone on to make their mark on the world.

They’ll be getting together soon for their 40th Reunion. Welcome home. And on behalf of the Lake Forest Board of Education, thanks for being first. You just might have been the best.