It's been a long road from my first post. I am finally getting to the point that I think I am getting a handle on blogging.
As I continue down the blogger road, I want to give some thanks to some people that have helped make this blog possible.
LTC Dave Grossman, from whom I got the 'Sheepdog' idea. You were one of my big inspirations when I first started in the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy. Hooah!
Michael Dorn, whom I consider a mentor, and a friend. If someone back in 2004 would have told me that I would be friends with the world's foremost expert in school safety, I would have laughed at them. Yet, here I am. Not only has he taught me how to do site assessments and other school safety concepts, he is teaching me how to be a professional, how to write professionally, and has made me a better person overall. My wife Robin will attest to how difficult that last task is.
Speaking of my wife, no WAY I could do this without her. She has been a sounding board, a Devil's Advocate (Sometimes TOO good), a confidante, and has loved and supported me through some very trying times. I love you, Robin.
And of course I cannot forget all the people who I am responsible for, the kids, staff, and administrators of the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County. You are all dear to me, and are the reasons I do what I do.
Non in meus vigilo!
School Safety Shield
Non en Meus Vigilo!
Showing posts with label Non in meus vigilo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Non in meus vigilo. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Sheepdogs
Merry Christmas!
Yesterday an event occurred that reaffirmed what Christmas is all about, as well as what being a Sheepdog is all about.
I received a phone call from Brenda McNamara, one of my bus drivers. She is one of the best of my drivers. She has developed great relationships with many of her students, and their parents. One of them called her to tell her that her two sons would not be receiving any Christmas presents. The woman's in dire financial straits, and wanted her children enrolled in a program called the United Christmas Service. However, despite several phone calls and letters, she never completed the necessary paperwork, and so there was nothing for her children. Brenda didn't know what to do, so she called me.
I called the school counselor in charge of the UCS program and got the background story on the family. The counselor didn't know what she could do, as the Toys for Tots program deadline had passed, as had the deadline of others. I then called Mark Kern, the principal of the children's school. He didn't answer his phone, so I left a message explaining what had happened, and started to make plans to go shopping. I live 25 miles away from New Palestine, but if I couldn't work anything out, I would go. Last minute on Christmas Eve didn't seem a good time for last second heroics.
Or did it?
Enter Dick Jefford, II. Dick is a retired police chief I first met when he joined our school's Safe School Committee. He is a former Marine, so of course he and I hit it off. He is also the Hancock County Director for Toys for Tots, so I called him up and explained the situation. He told me that he had family coming, and that things had been very hectic, then he paused. He then said, "We have a saying here, no child should be without a present at Christmas."
I gave him the necessary information, and within two hours, I received a call from Brenda thanking me. Of course I told her that the real hero was Dick. I then got a call from Mark. He was under the weather, and was on his way to a Minute Clinic when he got my message. He told me that he was about to call the mother and have her meet him at a Walmart to get presents for the boys on his own dime.
Brenda McNamara the bus driver, Mark Kern the elementary school principal, Dick Jefford the retired police chief. Three of the nicest people you know, three exceptional Sheepdogs who made sure that two boys had something to open Christmas morning. Three exceptional people who live my motto, "Non in meus vigilo" 'Not on my watch'.
Merry Christmas, Brenda, Mark, and Dick. Christ truly shone through you yesterday, and two lives were touched by your gentle Warrior spirits. Your love of children, and your compassion for others are core virtues of the Sheepdog, and it is an honor to call you friends.
God bless you all!
Yesterday an event occurred that reaffirmed what Christmas is all about, as well as what being a Sheepdog is all about.
I received a phone call from Brenda McNamara, one of my bus drivers. She is one of the best of my drivers. She has developed great relationships with many of her students, and their parents. One of them called her to tell her that her two sons would not be receiving any Christmas presents. The woman's in dire financial straits, and wanted her children enrolled in a program called the United Christmas Service. However, despite several phone calls and letters, she never completed the necessary paperwork, and so there was nothing for her children. Brenda didn't know what to do, so she called me.
I called the school counselor in charge of the UCS program and got the background story on the family. The counselor didn't know what she could do, as the Toys for Tots program deadline had passed, as had the deadline of others. I then called Mark Kern, the principal of the children's school. He didn't answer his phone, so I left a message explaining what had happened, and started to make plans to go shopping. I live 25 miles away from New Palestine, but if I couldn't work anything out, I would go. Last minute on Christmas Eve didn't seem a good time for last second heroics.
Or did it?
Enter Dick Jefford, II. Dick is a retired police chief I first met when he joined our school's Safe School Committee. He is a former Marine, so of course he and I hit it off. He is also the Hancock County Director for Toys for Tots, so I called him up and explained the situation. He told me that he had family coming, and that things had been very hectic, then he paused. He then said, "We have a saying here, no child should be without a present at Christmas."
I gave him the necessary information, and within two hours, I received a call from Brenda thanking me. Of course I told her that the real hero was Dick. I then got a call from Mark. He was under the weather, and was on his way to a Minute Clinic when he got my message. He told me that he was about to call the mother and have her meet him at a Walmart to get presents for the boys on his own dime.
Brenda McNamara the bus driver, Mark Kern the elementary school principal, Dick Jefford the retired police chief. Three of the nicest people you know, three exceptional Sheepdogs who made sure that two boys had something to open Christmas morning. Three exceptional people who live my motto, "Non in meus vigilo" 'Not on my watch'.
Merry Christmas, Brenda, Mark, and Dick. Christ truly shone through you yesterday, and two lives were touched by your gentle Warrior spirits. Your love of children, and your compassion for others are core virtues of the Sheepdog, and it is an honor to call you friends.
God bless you all!
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