Reader Reply

School Administrator, November 2017

Mark Adler’s article, “Channeling Grief Into Kindness” (August 2017), was exceptional. I thank him for sharing the story of his son Reid and for his mission to spread kindness.

At our district’s most recent administrative retreat, we decided to REFOCUS OUR EFFORTS to “Choose Kindness” in the elementary schools and to start a “Respect” initiative at the high school. We have partnered with the city council and the chamber of commerce to conduct a citywide campaign that includes adults, children, businesses and families. We found Adler’s article to be INSPIRING, and we will use Reid’s story to positively promote kindness.

TODD STROM
SUPERINTENDENT,
SOUTH SIOUX CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS,
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, NEB.



Spreading Kindness
I just wanted to say how much I admire Mark Adler and his family. He is a role model for so many on how to live through a tragic event in one’s life and, with faith, to build a message to help so many others.

His article is beautiful and a true testament of his and his wife Joni’s grace, something their son Reid would be proud of. 

MELISSA POLONCIC
SUPERINTENDENT,
DC WEST COMMUNITY SCHOOLS,
VALLEY, NEB.


Mark Adler and his wife Joni have really been inspirational over the last 18 months, and I am so glad they are helping others through their speaking engagements and faith-based thoughts to prevent the loss they suffered. They are making a difference.

MIKE OVERKAMP
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER,
RALSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
RALSTON, NEB.


Thank you to Mark Adler for the courage to share his heart-wrenching story in our professional magazine. I believe it will open the eyes of many of our fellow superintendents across the country.

Just last year, staff members on our freshman team uncovered image sharing of young girls that, after further investigation, went across eastern Pennsylvania involving middle schoolers and high schoolers. Our work is tough but very special.

WILLIAM E. HARNER
SUPERINTENDENT,
QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT,
QUAKERTOWN, PA.


Mark Adler’s article was so heartfelt and heart-moving. In the depth of their pain, the Adlers are channeling their grief into this much-needed project.

From experience, I can vouch for how this type of venture can help in the healing process. Although it may seem like a paradox, reaching out to others is akin to saving them from the same fate. Plus, the time spent organizing and preparing leaves little time to dwell on your own loss and misery.

JOAN E MARKWELL
AUTHOR, SOFTENING THE GRIEF,
LAWRENCEBURG, KY.


Encouraging Women Leaders

I applaud the article, “Moving Women Up the District Ladder” (June 2017) by Merri Rosenberg.

In 1955, when I became a principal in Vermont, only one woman in Vermont worked as a high school principal. In my years as a superintendent, I realized women could be just as good as men in leadership roles. I looked for principals, both men and women, whom I felt could become good superintendents. 

During the 10 years that I served in New Hampshire, three administrators whom I encouraged went on to become superintendents in the state after I retired in 1993. One of the three was the woman who served as my assistant superintendent. I convinced my board to promote her to be my successor. This has brought me great satisfaction in my years of retirement.

KEN SEVERSON
AASA LIFE MEMBER,
SHELBURNE, VT.

 
 

Letters should be addressed to: Editor, School Administrator, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail: magazine@aasa.org