The hashtag #bringbackblack, in honor of Tom Black, is trending in Coupeville. (Moira Reed photo)
There’s a new hashtag sweeping across numerous social media sites.
It’s #bringbackblack, launched by community members who view Coupeville High School/Middle School Dean of Students Tom Black as someone whose value transcends a dollar figure.
Budget cuts have been mandated and will happen.
But discarding a man who is described as “part mental health counselor, part teacher, part administrator, part mentor, and so much more” is not sitting well with Wolf Nation.
A letter from 2021 CHS grad Michael Laska:
Coupeville School District,
I cannot put a number on the countless occasions I heard both teachers and students use the phrases “I’m sorry that happened, have you talked to Mr. Black about it?” and “That sounds serious, you should probably go talk to Mr. Black” when they took notice of a struggling student.
This recommendation speaks to Mr. Blacks’ empathetic character and ability to visualize what can be done in the best interest of his students.
Beyond that, his leadership qualities are more than strong enough to fill a much more widespread and lucrative position at another facility.
Yet, he devotes his time to the students in Coupeville.
The benefit of his positive influence was impossible to ignore; it is difficult for any student not to see that they are cared for supported when he is around.
As the dean, he holds a position of authority but does not instill the fear of discipline into students in an attempt to minimize misbehavior.
Instead, he informs students of the district’s guidelines and provides them with a sense of purpose that they now know could be jeopardized if said guidelines are not followed.
I am sure that there is a list of amenities that a school is required to provide in order to remain operational that I am not familiar with.
But I cannot imagine that your Greek yogurt smoothies and leather varsity jackets are mentioned on that list.
As a former student, it would be disappointing to hear that his contribution to create a safe and enjoyable environment to learn has been forgotten.
Respectfully,
Petty Officer Laska
Coupeville Sports 