“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. ― Rumi (1207-1273)
The holiday break of 2014-15 was memorable for many things, including visiting with family. Mostly, however, we will forever remember this holiday season for the time two important LPS members, Susie Schnettler and Ann Kalec, lost their battles with cancer. Most profoundly, losing Susie will affect our students and families at Cooper, as well as all of us. She was such a positive person, so in touch with what is important in life, that it's difficult to believe cancer could take her. She defeated cancer nine years ago with such an amazing attitude, such strength of spirit, that I was hopeful she would win again. This time, cancer found its way to extinguish her body, despite her unwavering sureness she would survive. Everytime I saw her or talked to her, she told me she'd be coming back to Cooper. Her death over the holidays was surprising and sad. If you have not done so, check out the Cooper Facebook page and see the many tributes by students and parents.
Ann Kalec was the principal at Cooper for eight years before moving to Coolidge 10 years ago. She remained there through the Legacy Initiative. Ann and I began our relationship when she took over at Coolidge and I moved to McKinley. We talked frequently and then worked together in LEADS as negotiators and board members. I will miss her down-to-earth attitude. She taught me to treasure the truly important things in life. She was a huge Spartans football fan and Detroit Lions fan. I know she enjoyed seeing their successes this season. I cannot watch either team without thinking of her. The Rumi quote above fits Ann so well. She was simply reasonable about what needed her attention and helped everyone around her focus on what they could do rather than what they wanted others to do.
It's hard to think of the world without these two people. Their spirits were strong, their beliefs infectious. They both were pivotal in the lives of the people they loved and who loved them. In our remembrance of them, we can see them as leaders, as people who fulfilled the vision we have for our students: to be strong, capable people who will lead us in the future.
Rum left us with the quote above. It was an anthem of Ann's and Susie's to help others change themselves. We can always be appreciative they were in our lives.
Ann's visitation is this Friday at Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in Farmington from 2:00-8:00 pm. There will be a service at 10:00 am on Saturday at the same location.
Susie's family will have a memorial service later. We will let you know as soon as we know. They are not planning a funeral.
As we take care of students this week who will be mourning Susie's passing, we need to take care of each other as well. Each of us had a relationship with Susie. Losing our friend is going to take time for us to grieve. I'm glad we will be together this week.
BIG ROCKS
- Iowa/CogAT is scheduled for this week for sixth grade. Teachers will have to read their class's receptability to testing. The window is big enough to wait a couple of days if your class will be more ready.
- That being said, it is important to maintain routines for the students at this time. This is a re-start to the year, so go over the expectations and responsibilities for students. We will be having indoor recesses with the cold weather expected, so include expectations for those days, too.
- Sally and Annette will be working with the Student Lighthouse Team to begin looking at a memorial of some kind in memory of Susie. If you have ideas, pass them on to Sally or Annette.
- This is the last week of Sarah's leave. While we'll be happy to have Sarah return, we owe a big thanks to Angie for stepping in for Sarah. She's been a big help in the office, especially to me. Thank you, Angie!!!
- The training for LPS administrators in 7 Habits begins this week. I will be out Tuesday and Thursday helping with the training, as well as a couple of days next week. I am looking forward to spreading the potential that 7 Habits brings each person.
This week's schedule includes:
Monday... 8:00 meeting of SW/Psychs with Julie and office staff.
CogAT materials ready for pick up in Conference Room
Tuesday... Terry at LCTC all day for 7 Habits Training
8:00 Center EPT
8:45 LEAD Time
3:45 LH Team meeting LMC
Wednesday... 8:00 IST in Conference Room
3:45 Planning Team
Thursday... Terry at CO all day for 7 Habits Training
8:00 Staff Meeting
Friday... ???
No comments:
Post a Comment