I know I’m not alone on this one.
Don’t you increasingly prepare for wince mode when you note a story about schools and teachers in the news? Chances are, it’s yet another reminder that safe havens aren’t what they used to be. Sometimes it’s tragic. Sometimes it’s traumatic. It’s almost always troubling. You know.
And then there’s what happened over at Plant High School last week. It was a reminder that good, competent people–the overwhelming majority of those entrusted to our kids–are still on the case doing their best because it’s their job.
A 15-year-old male student had collapsed while running on the track. The result could have been the worst possible. Instead it was an exercise in professional, life-saving competence: from PE Department head Carrie Mahon to assistant principal Laura Figueredo to school nurse Kayla Spilman. CPR was administered, an automated external defibrillator was employed, 911 was called and that 15-year-old’s condition was soon stabilized.
No, not just another day at the office. But another day at school for competent professionals dealing with whatever comes their way in the protean world of teenagers looking for help in their studies–and in their adolescent growth.