Sheepdogs of the Month

Part of the job of a sheepdog in schools is to develop a climate in the school in which everyone has a part to play.  The staff and students of Doe Creek Middle School have come a long way toward that goal.  What I needed was a way to recognize those who went above and beyond to make our school a safer place.  Enter the Sheepdog of the Month program.

Each month I ask the teachers to nominate one of their own who best exhibits the traits of a sheepdog in schools.  Teachers who develop trusting relationships with their students, teachers who put themselves between harm and the students.  Teachers demonstrate true leadership with their peers and students.  After receiving nominations, I pick one who best represents the traits of the sheepdog.  I also ask the teachers to nominate a student who exhibits the same traits.

The teacher who is selected gets a certificate, signed by the Principal and myself, which gets presented to the teacher in front of their students.  They also receive a few "goodies" like 'Jeans cards', which allows them to wear blue jeans to school for one day.  They also get a 'Sheepdog' t-shirt, designed by Ranger Up: http://www.rangerup.com/police.html  The shirts are paid for by our PTO.

At the end of the year, each of our Sheepdogs of the Month are eligible to win the Rick Rescorla School Safety Award.  Rick Rescorla was a Vietnam War Silver Star recipient.  He was also Director of Security at Morgan Stanley/Dean Witter on 9/11.  He evacuated 2,700 people, and died after he and three others went back up to make sure everyone was out.  The winner will receive a small trophy, and their name will be inscribed on a plaque that will stay with the school.

Amber Connors was our first recipient.  She develops trusting relationships with her students.  When one came to her with the report of a possible shooting in the school, she did not engage in denial, but got the information to me immediately, and we were able to determine that it was just a rumor.

Danielle Daugherty was our second recipient.  She also develops trusting relationships, and also teaches them to be sheepdogs themselves.  Her relationships have resulted in numerous reports of bullying that she has sent my way.  Her leadership with her students is very apparent.

Amanda Schwyn was our third recipient.  She stepped into the middle of a fight between two girls, knowing that if she allowed it to continue, other students would get hurt.  She acted decisively, and with the interests of students foremost in her mind.

Shawn Rago was our fourth recipient.  She has also developed trusting relationships with students who tell her of bad things happening in our school.  She has provided me with several pieces of information that has allowed us to get drugs out of our school.

Ellen Krug is very conscientious about school safety, and about her children.  She heard a rumor that a student of hers had run away from home.  She contacted me, I contacted law enforcement, and we were able to quickly locate the student.  She was also very good about noticing bullying, and reporting it in a timely fashion.

Bryan Turner is a gym teacher.  The classes are of a nature that injuries happen. Mr. Turner remains calm, and quickly acts to get the injured student to the clinic. 

Karen Payne is a cafeteria monitor.  She came to me with information of one of her students who approached her with information of some problems at home.  We were able to address the issue, with Mrs. Payne following through to make sure it was taken care of.

Debra Kleyn is also a cafeteria monitor.  In her work, she frequently noticed building issues between students, and would notify the office for intervention.  In an environment full of noise, she heard the right things.

Ron Hayes is a custodian.  While walking through the cafeteria, he saw two students engaged in the "Choking Game".  One was pressing hard on the chest of the other to prevent them from breathing.  He stopped the two students, and took them to the office, where they were able to speak with counselors.

Deputy Chapman has a daughter at our school.  He volunteered at the end of each school day to stop traffic on the road outside of school, allowing the buses to quickly get on their way.  People trying to get ahead of the buses often endangered the children on the buses in their haste.

Officer Fisher served as security at many of our school dances.  He also interacts with many of the students in town, keeping them out of trouble, and providing a role model for them.

Who will be next?  We have many outstanding teachers to choose from.  Several students have been selected as well, receiving certificates, but as this is a middle school, and in the interests of internet safety, we do not publicly announce their names.

It is my hope to make this a corporation-wide affair, and to make the Rick Rescorla award the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County's way to honor those who protect our kids.