Comments on: Superintendent Responds to AJC Trailers Article

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:20:03 +0000

Mr. B. ROCKS! One of our city’s finest teachers. When my daughter was in his class, he sent emails home frequently about her schoolwork and always responded. Mr. B, though Catholic (I think) is a real mensch.

By: Scott

Scott — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:25:11 +0000

Chris — I have not always ideologically agreed with everything you’ve posted here but I can think of no other word to describe these comments than beautiful. I am thankful to have my child in the Decatur system and I’m thankful for the tireless work of people like you.

My only concern is that your comments about the superintendent focus on things like education, leadership and accessibility and don’t touch on truly important issues like kowtowing and hand-holding. KIDDING!

Seriously, great to hear. Have a great year.

By: Deanne

Deanne — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:26:04 +0000

What a rockin” comment! You earned the plug!

Best wishes to you & your students for a great school year!

By: Chris Billingsley

Chris Billingsley — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:49:55 +0000

While standing at my DHS classroom door last Friday, Dr. Edwards knocked on the back door. She was by herself and carried several bulky folders. After some brief small talk, I invited her into my room to speak to 9th grade students. For someone who just came in from the back parking lot (maybe 100 degrees), she gave the students an excellent pep talk on the new school year. She encouraged them to get involved in extra-curriculars and do their best in all their classes. She spoke proudly about the new gym and arts center and looked forward to the renovation of the vocational building. The students listened politely and gave her a nice round of applause before she left.
No chauffeur, assistants, or other assorted toadies that seem to follow superintendents in other systems. I admire her work ethic, toughness, and intelligence. As far as trailers at the elementary schools, some of us remember the pre-air conditioning days when the indoor temperature in some classrooms at Clairemont and other schools reached the high 90s, even into the 100s. It was so bad at Clairemont that teachers would bring their classes to the air-conditioned library in shifts because their afternoon classrooms were like ovens. The facilities we have today have not come about without headaches. It was not easy for anyone.
I would want not my child to be in a portable but there are more important things; a good teacher, friendly cafeteria and maintenance staff, a principal who roams the halls and comes into the classroom to interact with the students, transportation employees that care about and know your child’s name, and a strong emphasis on safety. These are the important things. Even systems with great facilities are just wastelands without love. Isn’t that what its all about?
For those of you who have kids in the system, you are and will always be their most important teacher. Try to support what is done in the classroom with as little criticism as possible. Be careful what you say and write to teachers, administrators, bloggers, and the AJC (I’ve learned the hard way). And finally, don’t forget to participate in the DHS Close Up Club “Rake and Run” in late October or early November.
(Sorry for the shameless plug but I really want to take a team of students to D.C. again this year!)

By: Deanne

Deanne — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:33:41 +0000

It’s bristly to ask for clarification when I’m not sure? I’ve always thought that it was the best way to avoid misunderstandings.

Hmm.