School's Sheepdogs are Key to its Turnaround.

Nicole Fama and Gwendolyn Hardiman took their positions at opposite ends of a hallway near the Arlington Woods Elementary cafeteria on a recent Thursday morning.

"Here they come," Fama said, as the first of hundreds of students burst through the school's front doors.

Before long, a line of students stretched from one end of the hallway to the other. And for the next 20 minutes the boys and girls waiting to enter the cafeteria received hugs, smiles, advice and lectures -- and anything else they needed -- from Fama and Hardiman, two educators whose weekdays begin with keeping order during the school's free breakfast program.

But this duo's job is not about cafeteria duty. Rather, it's about ensuring that the discipline problems that plagued Arlington Woods for many years are minimized. Their performance is high on the list of impressive things at an impressive school. As co-leaders and the only members of the discipline team, they've helped spark a quick turnaround at the Eastside school.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110220/LOCAL/102200369/School-s-peacemaking-pair-gently-lays-down-law-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com

In my last post, I recognized those who are sheepdogs in my school.  Reading this article in the Indianapolis Star this morning, I realized I needed to recognize others as well.  Fama and Hardiman are the epitome of sheepdogs.  They love their kids, but know that outbursts and fighting disrupt learning.  They develop rapports with their children and parents, as well as intelligence on issues that will affect learning.

I don't know how much they are paying these ladies, but it is a necessary expense, and it is clearly not enough.  Nicole Fama and Gwendolyn Hardiman, you are on my Sheepdog Hall of Fame!  Matthew Tully, thank you for bringing these Sheepdogs to the attention of Indianapolis!