Happy Birthday Dr. Suess

In schools throughout America, today is Read Across America Day:  a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2nd - Dr. Suess's birthday.  "In honor of my years on the school board" (I am not running for reelection after almost 13 years - my term ends in April), I was invited to be the guest reader at one of our elementary schools this morning.  So, thank you Valley View School for such a fun visit today.  I loved reading to you and having you rhyme with me in your colorful pajamas! 

Keep reading!

err... um, I mean... your school board president... for another five weeks

From Lilacs to Lilies

Hi.

It's been a while.

My biggest gap in 18 months of blogging.

 In the meantime,
my lilacs, wild roses, peonies, hollyhocks and daylilies
have all bloomed.  

Have you given up on me?

 

 I don't really want to talk about it,

but there has been a lot of turmoil in my life and in the lives of

many Wisconsinites involved in education and/or politics.

I am involved in both.

Partisan politics has stampeded into our local level like never before. 

Civility is dead in Wisconsin.

Even our supreme court justices are at eachother's throats... literally.

There is such division.  It's depressing.

I've missed my blog, but it's true that I blog less
when I'm unhappy, stressed and worried.

Serving out the remaining 8 months of my 4th+ and last term on the school board will be difficult, but I'm sure I will get through it with the help of wonderful people, good friends, and my amazing family.  By then I will have served 13 years on the school board trying to do my best for Menomonee Falls.  Maybe that 13th year has proven to be quite unlucky.  Perhaps I should have resigned last summer as planned (to get going on my shop), but I felt sure this would be a calm, quiet year.  I could not have been more wrong.

Anyway... enough.

I am more than ready to try to get back to what makes me happy

and there my efforts will be applied before my fall flowers start blossoming.

I have been getting busier and busier in the sewing room.  You'll love the new patterns and fabrics I've gotten my hands on.  I now plan to devote every possible moment to getting as much vintage yardage stitched up into very fun clothes for my Etsy shop conversion.  Here is where you will hear about those exploits and as little as possible about being president of the school board.

No Time For Love

In our school district, we are in the middle of a search for the next superintendent and lots of meetings due to great upheaval in education in Wisconsin (you know, the whole union thing).  Anyway, school board life is very intense right now... meetings every night last week and every night this week including Friday as well as 9 hours this last Saturday... which leaves no time for what I love.  Except this.  I love this pattern.  1965.  Don't you love it, too?  Just bought it on Etsy and can't wait to make it up!  But wait I will.  No choice.  Til then, I can look at it longingly and read the instructions and dream about the fabric I'll pick for it.  Sigh.

School Board Shooter

We interrupt this happy Christmassy crafty sewing blog to bring you this post:

Haven't mentioned it too much lately, but many of you know I serve as the president of our local School Board here in Menomonee Falls.  I just have to say that the story of the gunman shooting at the school board members in Panama City, Florida absolutely sends shivers down my spine.  

Unfortunately, this unhappy man took his own life, but thankfully, no one else was injured even though he shot his weapon 14 times!  We've all seen the video and it's inexplicable that he missed these people when shooting at point blank range.  Here's the part that's scary for me and many other school board members around the country.  We've seen this guy in our meetings.  People just like him.  Angry people who seem desperate and feel helpless against the system and taxes.  People who are so agitated that I've thought if they had a gun, they might use it. 

Since yesterday I've read that many school boards are reconsidering safety measures at their meetings.  Some already have metal detectors outside their meeting rooms.  Ours have always been wide open and on at least one occasion in the last few years some of us thought there was going to be an "incident."  Perhaps there is some solace in our school district's new partnership with our village government and the recent location change of our meetings to the village premises... just down the hall from the police department.

Farewell Class of 2010!

Last week the class of 2010 walked across the commencement stage and bid a fond or otherwise farewell to their old alma mater.  Pictured here is the beginning of the processional from the high school to the stadium.  Faculty in black.   Approximately 400 graduates in maroon.  I am notorious for taking behind the scenes pictures.  Once again, the weather was threatening and once again, we got lucky.

A picture of our student school board member, Ryan - also one of the class officers, giving his commencement address.  Notice "Indians" on the press box in the background.  Could be the last commencement as Menomonee Falls Indians.  The state of Wisconsin recently passed a law that will all but eliminate the use of Native American mascots.

Students lining up to cross the stage to receive their diplomas.  It is always an honor to greet, shake hands with, and award a diploma to the jittery, nervous, happy graduates - my favorite school board duty by far.

Expulsions

The school board conducted two expulsions last night.

I can't get them out of my mind.  

Expulsions are quite formal affairs with attorneys, court reporter, swearing in, and careful scripting in order to meet official state statutes.   We school board members are judge and jury.  Expulsions are usually very difficult experiences... for the student, the parent(s), the administration and us.  Nobody wants to disconnect a student from learning, from friends, from structure.  One very bad choice can reap consequences that will affect a student for years.  The needs of the student up for expulsion have to be weighed against the well-being of the rest of the students.  At expulsions there are frequently tears on all sides.  The worst, heart-sinking moment is when realization dawns and one of the parents asks, "If he's not allowed to be on the school grounds, how is he going to finish his work and take the finals?"  Expulsion severs immediately.  There is no longer an obligation by the school district to educate that student.

I am told by our attorney that most school districts expel and send the student on their way without much consideration or compassion.  I am thankful that our school district is different.  We don't live and die by "zero tolerance."  Every case is unique and the demands of each expulsion are tailored to the student and the situation.  We are fortunate to have an alternate classroom at the central office that most expelled students can take advantage of to keep progressing in school.  The last thing we want is to present further obstacles for a struggling student.  Often, if  an expelled student meets certain conditions (professional therapy, clean drug screens, community service, improved behavior, letters of apology - whatever the case may be), they can return to school in a time frame proportionate to their offense.  Only in rare instances have students committed so grievous an act that they have not been offered these services and the opportunity for re-admittance. 

OK, I'm going to end on a positive note.  Often, expulsion is the best thing that can happen to a student whose behavior is spiraling out of control.  It's a wake-up call that can straighten out poor parenting and bad attitudes.  Most of the time after an expulsion, the student meets expectations, comes back to school and is successful.  And nothing is better than being at a graduation and handing a diploma to a student who was once expelled and yet, turned a bad experience into the learning experience of a lifetime.

School Board Elections

Well, yesterday was the spring election here in Menomonee Falls and five candidates were vying for three school board seats.  There were no huge races this year and election day was during spring break, so the turnout was small.  The results are as follows.

So, Faith will continue on as the high quality board member that she is and we'll welcome Lori and Scott who will make excellent additions to our group.

Lori Blodorn has a ton of common sense and is an attorney by profession.  I was amazed at her initiative to contact and meet with every Menomonee Falls group or leader she could get a hold of.  That's confidence.  That's chutzpah.  That's energy.  That's doing your homework.  All good traits for a school board member.

Scott Ternes has a strong track record with his involvement in the school district.  He's been around this block a few times and knows the school district - warts and all.  He's smart.  He's got great business sense and a head for PR and he's not afraid of the financial mountains we have to climb as school board members.

I can't end this blog post without mentioning the two candidates who did not get elected.  Ouch, that must sting to be Robert Schneider - THREE votes short.  Wow.  I'll bet he's got a friend or two feeling rather sheepish about not getting out to vote.  Bob would have been a fine board member.  He seemed open minded and without agenda or bias.  

I got an email last night from a friend that said, "What do people have against Mike Dillhyon?"  She voted for him.  I honestly don't know why he didn't get more votes.  I've always thought he'd make an excellent school board member and he's got a good head for finances.  Maybe his defeat has something to do with his wife's early and vocal criticisms of the school district shortly after they moved here.  Mike was a bit of a critic in the early days, too.  However, I have always found him a person who makes an effort to be fair and tries to get his facts straight. 

Well, it's done again for this time around.  This election marks a full turnover of the school board in the last three years except for me.  There's me with 11 years and Faith is next with 3.  I don't know how that makes me feel.  Most school board members will say the learning curve is about three years.  We don't have a lot of experience, but we do have a lot of intelligence, people skills, and common sense - which all goes a long way.  Now it's my job to bring new people up to speed, reorganize committee assignments and foster good working relationships.  Here we go again.  : )

Changing Directions

Well, it's been one controversy after another on the school board - redistricting, grinding, budget cuts... what a year. No wonder there's been a complete turnover of school board members in three year's time (except for me). But really, I don't want to talk about that. This is my happy, creative blog, right? Right.

And amidst all the school district turmoil, I've been getting really excited about a change in direction for my Etsy shop. I've been selling a lot of vintage items and I like vintage stuff, but it's not my first love. I'm glad I've gotten a chance to learn how Etsy works and all, but it's time for me to infuse some of my creativity into RubyLemons.

So, I've made some decisions... and they all have something to do with my sewing machines.  Yes, I have three of them:  one for regular sewing, one for buttonholes, and one for serging.  Except for the serger, they are vintage machines that work like a hot knife through butter (pronounced "butta").  Gotta love the power in the old rotary sewing machines.  I can sew through five layers of denim with ease.  It was 20 years ago when I got my Westinghouse Free Rotary at an antique auction.  Believe it or not, I thought I was buying just the wood cabinet for my pricey winning bid of $13.  It seemed just the right height to put my cheap "new" sewing machine on (long since donated to Goodwill.)  When I started to move the cabinet at pick up time, it was surprisingly heavy.  Opening the lid, a discovery was made -- there was an old sewing machine inside! 

When I got it home and tested it out, it sewed like BUTTA!  And it backstitched!  Whoo hoo!  And it had all the attachments to quilt, tuck, gather, hem and on and on.  I have loved my old $13 sewing machine.

What am I going to sew with my Free Westinghouse rotary?

What do you think?

Grinding - And I Don't Mean Coffee

As the school board president, I was a member of the new dance committee at the high school.  It seems that the contemporary style of dancing among high schoolers has taken a turn for the salacious and without going into the gory details, boys now dance behind their partner holding her waist or hips... and things can get much more explicit from there.  The kids call it grinding.  Our police officers call it bordering on sexual assault.  The parents who have seen it, call it outrageous.  This is not your typical "dirty dancing" of the late 80s... no indeed.  This kind of dancing would make Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey blush.

Over the years, I have spoken to my own teenagers and to other students about this current style of dancing.  They all admit it can be uncomfortable and go too far.  Many students have been offended and disgusted and refuse to attend the school dances while others insist this is just the way kids dance these days and it doesn't hurt anyone.  It is a divisive issue.  I think it may contribute to the increase we are seeing in accusations of sexual harassment by our high school girls.  It's certainly not the only reason, but if guys are allowed to touch girls in this way on the dance floor... well, I think it might just be adding to the confusion.

The dance committee is trying to find a happy medium between the kids who are so disgusted they won't attend the dances and the kids who hike up their dresses, take off their shirts and simulate sex all night.  (Sorry, I know this is my happy creative blog...)  The committee is not out to ban dancing or even grinding.  Just the extremes.  Grinding's been around forever.  Don't tell me couples through the ages haven't been doing their share of "pressing body  parts together" even in the old traditional styles of dancing.  It's just that it seems more blatant with the guy standing behind the girl who sometimes actually bends completely forward and places her hands on the floor.  WHAT?!  Yep.  Let me tell you, don't ever serve on a school board if you can't handle talking explicitly about things that most people wouldn't bring up in polite society.  And believe me, I'm trying to tone this down.

Is this about old people who don't understand "kids these days" just the way people were outraged over Elvis working his pelvis in the 60s?  Maybe - but is there a line that shouldn't be crossed?  This is a high school dance - not a club.  What is considered indecent?  And it's not just adults who object - however kids who are offended are usually peer pressured out of speaking up.  Everyone wants to be cool in high school.

Keeping a sense of humor helps and I want to thank my oldest son, Lars for sharing this video with me.

Teacher Inservice Day

Today is our school district's annual mid-year inservice day.  Traditionally, I share a message with the teachers and I did that early this morning.  I usually stay up late the night before working on my message.  I speak to the teachers three times a year and always worry that the teachers won't "get" the spirit of my message.  Even though I get positive feedback, I worry about the most cynical teachers.  I worry that my message won't be inspirational.  I worry that I will sound preachy and annoying.  After all, I'm not a teacher and I really haven't got the blood and guts picture of what they face on a daily basis.  I know it's harder than I can imagine, miss-pie-in-the-sky-clueless-school-board-president.  Oh well.  I'd at least like an "A" for effort -- wait, that's right -- they don't give effort grades anymore.

We are officially half way through the school year and the school board has been working on some big issues.  Either I'm getting older and wimpier or the issues are getting tougher and more intense.  Probably both.  Education is changing and needs to change even more rapidly.  Our Director of Learning shared a short video this morning.  It illustrates how quickly the world is changing and how those who want to ride the wave need to stay on top of the information explosion.  Warning!  If you are of a "certain age" or if you have not had coffee this morning, you will want to prepare to read fast and keep one finger on the pause button because this video moves quickly - only reinforcing the point it makes: our kids are learning in a whole new world.

Content by XPLANE, The Economist, Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod and Laura Bestler. 
Music by DoKashiteru, "Home Tonight."

In Good Fun

I know I haven't blogged much about the school board lately.  It's not that things have been quiet on that front -- far from it.  Let me tell you, if body language could kill, I'd have been dead before Christmas.  We have been working on some very big concerns... and "big" always means contentious.  Yes, school board has been keeping me busier than ever.  There are many days when it can take 3-4 hours of my time and some times all day long.  This has been especially difficult because I've needed to devote time to starting my Etsy shop.  I can't imagine how school board members with full time jobs do it.

Anyway, the point of this blog post is to poke a little fun back at a high school student.  Said Student, who shall remain last nameless, likes to do imitations of the superintendent, Dr. Keith Marty.  My kids reported that Said Student performed a rap imitating the superintendent in the school auditorium just prior to the Christmas break.  Said Student has now put his Keith Marty rap on YouTube.  The kid I drive to school was even playing Said Student's rap on his iPod this morning!  Most interesting of all, Said Student is the son of a fellow school board member!  Said Student is lucky the superintendent is too busy to mess with him.

Ben, this is for you:

Thank a Veteran and Buy a Poppy

Today was the school district's annual Veteran's Day program.  For the eleventh year, our sixth graders have participated in a salute to the community's veterans of all armed forces and all eras.

I love the Veterans.

Forget about Hollywood, these are our true heroes.

I love all their different uniforms...

and their penchant for pins...

and the superintendent's patriotic tie...

He has a son in Afghanistan right now.

The Veterans have done hard things so the rest of us can have it easy.

November 11th is Veteran's Day.  Stuff a few dollar bills or quarters in your coat pocket and when you go shopping and see a Vet selling poppies outside of a store - buy one.

And if you really want to be patriotically inspired and hear some great singing, check out this YouTube video featuring our military and the Ten Tenors here.

Thank you, Veterans.

Anonymous Letters

I cannot begin to count how many times I have thought about writing an anonymous letter.  Maybe a letter to inform someone that they are severely incorrect about something or maybe a letter to blow off some steam or maybe even a letter to tattle on someone else.  I've thought about it so many times, but I have never followed that impulse and actually pulled the trigger.  Maybe just the act of fantasizing about it is enough for me.

This is not true for everyone else.  As a school board president, I get anonymous letters.  Sometimes the letters are from teachers, sometimes the letters are from past students, but usually the letters are from a community member who thinks we are complete idiots on the school board.  Although some people are more than happy to tell us to our faces, there are many who would rather just spell it out in an anonymous letter.

I received this letter from a "Frustrated Taxpayer" this week.  This person was not unreasonable at all.  I don't know why he (judging by the writing) didn't go ahead and sign it.  He made some very good points.  I wish I could sit down with him and talk about it.  I'm sure a lot of the decisions we make look rather stupid to someone who wasn't at every workshop, didn't read all the information and doesn't know all the  mitigating factors.  I get frustrated too -- and I'm supposedly someone with a little power.  Right now my husband and I can't afford another penny in taxes, but pay we must.  The public school system in this country is going to have to be redefined pretty soon if we stay on this current dwindling financial path.  School board members constantly think about educational quality and how to deliver it for less and less money.  There are pressures from all directions.  Everybody hates taxes, but good or bad, we live in a county where we all contribute to the common good and educating children is part of that.

School Board Appointments and Schmucks

I remember when I was appointed to the school board ten years ago.  There were three of us seeking a seat made available when a long time member resigned.  We talked about ourselves and answered questions in a public, televised meeting.  I thought it would be easier than running a campaign during an election.  It was nerve-racking.  Plus I was up against a local legend - a beloved, retired elementary principal.  When it came time for the remaining six school board members to make the selection, the ballot vote was tied 3-3, three times in a row.  Finally, on the fourth try someone switched their vote over to me.  In seconds I was sworn in, seated, and voting on heaven only knows what.  If the audience could have seen under the skirted table they would have viewed my hands clutched white in a death grip.

Fast forward ten years.  Monday night we had another school board appointment to replace Anne, our vice president (See previous post "Thank you Anne" 10/7).  This was only the second appointment in ten years and the first since I've been president.  An unprecedented eleven people applied for the position.  Wow!  These people came with impressive backgrounds in everything from finance to law and most with extensive involvement in schools.  After nine rounds of ballots, including a 3-3 deadlock for several rounds, we finally achieved a majority vote for a new board member (congratulations, Cindy).

Although I am not known for sticking my foot in my mouth (at least I hope not) too often, I'm pretty sure I did Monday night.

Wanting to emphasize how impressed I was with the pool of candidates and unfortunately all too willing to be self-depricating, I said something to the effect that I felt like a "schmuck" in comparison to the talented candidates.  You know what I meant, right?  Like a rube or a minor leaguer.  Sometimes I just get a little too slang for my own good.  After the meeting I was discreetly informed by Dave, our resident expert in Yiddish, what the word, "schmuck" really means.  Oops.  Forgive me Menomonee Falls.  I guess I've just watched way too many Mel Brooks movies.

Thank You, Anne

My friend, vice president and fellow board member, Anne, is resigning from the school board after five and a half years.

Up for re-election in April, Anne would have six months to complete in her second term.  Her last day will be this Monday, October 12th.  On that day at a public board meeting, the remaining six board members will select someone from the eleven (yes, eleven) people who have applied for the appointment to fill the remaining months of her term.  Whoever gets the appointment will have big shoes to fill.  Anne is amazing.  She is brilliant first of all... and has a memory like a steel trap.  A huge advocate for all kids, she's fair and unassuming.  Anne really understands education.  She's an attorney - a school arbitrator to be exact.  Shortly after her election, Anne received word that she could not arbitrate in the state of Wisconsin while serving on a school board.  How many people do you know that would put their career on hold for five and a half years to perform community service???  You are looking at one.  Anne has been our "in-house" expert and Menomonee Falls has been the big winner here.  Thank you, Anne.  You will be missed.

Rainy Days and School Board Mondays always get me down...

Had a school board meeting tonight.  Came home with my stomach wound in knots.  It's happening more and more.  Maybe I'm just getting too old for this.  Or maybe the number of controversies increases as dollars for public schools decrease. 

OK, this guy wasn't at our board meeting tonight - not this one, anyway...  And no, our parents did not look like this.  The parents who spoke during the public comment portion of our meeting were respectful and thoughtful and they didn't yell, but they were unhappy.   Nobody wants to change elementary schools and that's exactly what we are proposing by realigning boundaries. 

And it rained all day...

And it's Monday...

New Boundaries

 

We have a school board meeting tonight.  We are in the process of determining new boundaries between our four elementary schools because of declining populations in some schools and increasing populations in others.  This is the first time we have had to make any attendance area changes in the ten years since I've been on the board, but I know this will be an emotional issue.  We parents and kids (and teachers) love our elementary schools and we get very attached to them!