Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Tom Black’

“The benefit of his positive influence is impossible to ignore”

Posted in budget cuts, tagged , , , , on June 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

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

Read Full Post »

“Tom is the guy that kids trust”

Posted in budget cuts, tagged , , , , on June 25, 2023| 1 Comment »

Tom Black discusses game strategy with his grandson. (Photo courtesy Laura Black)

Of all the coaches I’ve worked with, Ken Stange remains the very definition of a straight shooter.

A longtime teacher, both here in Coupeville, and before that, in reservation schools, he’s never had much time for self-serving crap.

He’s an unvarnished truth speaker, and when he talks, I tend to listen.

I hope others do to, as Stange lays out his thoughts on the budget cut-related decision to eliminate the Dean of Students position, ending Tom Black’s 19-year run in Coupeville Schools hallways.

Ken Stange has some words o’ wisdom for you. (Jackie Saia photo)

 

When I think of Tom Black, I think of one of my very best friends I had at CHS. He was “there” in so many ways.

Professionally, he was one of the few people I knew that had his ear to the ground.

That helped me negotiate the ins and outs of relationships with kids who were struggling with life outside of school.

Everyone knows that Tom is a major reason why kids finished school … stayed out of jail … chose to stay alive.

I felt a kinship with Tom in that way.

I taught English, Yearbook, and coached tennis, but first and foremost, I was focused on the kids and how I could help them deal with school and a complex life.

I can’t speak for other staff members, but Tom talked me off more than a few ledges back in the day.

He helped me with my own personal problems, which in turn made me more able to handle 150 students more effectively.

Personally, Tom had been a great friend to me.

When I had surgery, Tom was there to take me to and from the hospital.

He listened to me cry when life seemed to crumble.

He gave me a hug when I needed it.

He gave me sage parental advice.

I remember when I started at CHS in the fall of 2004. I met Tom and wondered what the heck his job description was.

It didn’t take me long to see that he was part mental health counselor, part teacher, part administrator, part mentor, and so much more.

After my first year, it was clear to me that Tom’s unwritten job description was the person who catches anyone who fell through a crack.

If six teachers, including me, miss something about a kid in trouble, there was Tom, right there helping that kid to find a better peace and a better path.

If me or another teacher noticed something off about a kid, there was Tom, helping us to understand, and if Tom didn’t know what was wrong, he’d find out.

Tom is the guy that kids trust.

Tom is the guy that teachers and administrators can lean on and look to for help with kids in trouble.

Tom is the guy who is like a parent or trusted advisor to many kids.

I get budget cuts, but this one is going to hurt.

I’m also afraid it won’t be noticeable at first.

It takes a while to notice cracks and what’s slipping through them.

I hope that the district can find a way to reverse this decision.

Tom Black is easily some of the best money the district can spend to ensure that those kids who quietly slip through the cracks can be caught and lifted back up.

Read Full Post »

“Mr. Black should be valued and recognized”

Posted in budget cuts, tagged , , , , on June 24, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Ivy Leedy and Tom Black

Listen to the community.

The decision to cut the Dean of Students position at Coupeville High School/Middle School, ending Tom Black’s 19-year run, is being met with universal resistance.

Current and former students continue to step up and speak out, praising the deeply positive impact the man has had, and calling for Superintendent Steve King to reverse his decision.

The latest letter to the editor:

 

Hey David,

I just wanted to say a few things about the Dean of Students, Mr. Black.

I feel that he should not be cut from Coupeville; he helps so many students in many different ways.

I know I wouldn’t have made it through high school without his guidance and support.

During my time in school, I was harassed by a student who said some very nasty things to me and broke into my house.

Mr. Black was right on it and helped me through it; eventually the student was expelled for his behavior.

Mr. Black is a staple in Coupeville.

He’s one of the best things about that school; walking down the halls and seeing him was the highlight of my day.

He would always greet me with a smile and tell me a joke; we had some good laughs.

If he was gone who would help students like he does?

Who would put a smile on their faces, who would make jokes, who would greet you in the morning?

Mr. Black’s dedication to helping students and his contributions to the school community should be valued and recognized.

The decision to cut him would not only be detrimental to the school but also to the students who rely on his support.

I believe that the school board should reconsider their decision and recognize the importance of Mr. Black’s role in Coupeville.

Sincerely,

Ivy Leedy

Read Full Post »

“Mr. Black is NEEDED at that school”

Posted in budget cuts, tagged , , , , on June 23, 2023| 6 Comments »

Tom Black, a mentor to many. (Photo courtesy Michelle Cernick)

He is their friend, their mentor, their rock.

For 19 years, Tom Black has stood tall for Coupeville students, knowing when to joke, when to gently aim a foot for a butt, when to administer hard love, and when to simply listen and be a port in the storm.

His title has been Dean of Students, but he has been so much more for a generation of Wolves coming of age.

Now, thanks to budget cuts, the man who had a handshake, a hug, gentle words of wisdom, or a cocked eyebrow for all, won’t return to the hallways at CHS and CMS in the fall.

Reaction from community members is a mix of disbelief, grief, and an outpouring of love for Black.

The same was true for Athletic Director Willie Smith and Athletic Trainer Jessica Caselden, who, like Black, are core members of Wolf Nation.

Smith’s job status was restored after a substantial outcry which included letters of support from every other Athletic Director in the Northwest 2B/1B League.

The Athletic Trainer position is still on the chopping block, despite protests from Wolf coaches and athletes — many of whom point out the relatively small cost of the position ($8,200) and Caselden being a positive role model for young female athletes and students.

If we’re being totally fair, any and all budget cuts are unpleasant, and there is no place Superintendent Steve King can trim where someone won’t be displeased.

That being said, the loss of a man like Black hits large for his community.

 

Dom Anania:

Mr. Black is a fixture in that school.

I was Class of 2012 and I wouldn’t have gotten through school without him.

Losing Mr. Black will have an extremely negative impact on the kids coming up.

 

Sandi Belli:

He is truly an amazing person and advocate for the young people he serves.

You can’t teach someone the unique skill set Tom has … they are simply part of this giant of a man!

 

Natalie Castano:

This is a big mistake. Mr. Black has made a HUGE impact on many kids, including myself.

I would not have graduated if it was not for him.

He was always there for me to look up to, encouraging me when I didn’t see myself going far.

After my ex, Jaushon Clay, died, he was a shoulder for me to cry on and a BIG support.

There are so many countless times Mr. Black helped me grow into the person I am today.

I am beyond disappointed and hurt in this decision and I truly think he deserves better.

 

Michelle Cernick:

Mr. Black is a huge part of Coupeville schools.

He truly cares about the welfare of every one of those kids. He makes them all feel special by knowing everyone’s name and birthday.

When my son was in high school, he left home and wouldn’t talk to me. Mr. Black was how I knew he was OK.

He looked out for him to make sure he was doing alright and then he would let me know.

That was a very hard time for my family, and I don’t know what I would have done without Mr. Black.

I am so grateful to him for so much. He was always there for my kids when they needed him.

When my girls graduated, they wanted to make sure they hugged him and got a picture with him.

All three of my children love Tom Black.

He is a wonderful man and CHS will not be the same without him. This news saddens me for the students at CHS.

 

Carol Harrison:

Tom Black as Dean of Students is critical. He is a safe place for students.

He isn’t teaching and giving grades and because he isn’t, he is able to guide students and have their back.

Nineteen years.

I depended on him when I was teaching at CMS. He helped with the kids I was teaching and allowed me to teach.

I can’t imagine him not there or someone in his place to help students; keep Mr. Black!

 

Synda Lambert:

Mr. Black has been the most influential person for all of the kids who have gone to Coupeville Middle and High.

There has to be something done to keep his job.

 

Zachary McCormick:

Mr. Black is a great guy and I loved taking to him in the hallway during the day.

 

Stephanie Montgomery:

It’s not the position itself that is a loss, it is the one and only Mr. Tom Black that is the loss!

There are two people that I can name that I have always trusted to be aware of Zander, whether it’s in the hall, in the lunchroom or scooting across campus.

Mr. Black is one of them. The other is Mr. (Geoff) Kappes.

Mr. Black is aware of what all the students need, when they are entering the building for the morning, during the day on campus, and at the door when they’re leaving for the day.

His smile and personality are the face of Coupeville Middle & High School.

To lose him would cause the whole aura of the school to definitely change.

 

Toni Ricks:

There really are no words to describe the impact Mr. Black has had on Coupeville and the difference he has made for many students.

He takes the time to really listen to the heart of the students and they trust him.

He helps the students struggling to make the right choices and keeps them accountable.

He is able to communicate with the parents as well.

To say that there will be more supervision to help replace him makes no sense; without a relationship, it is not going to make a difference.

Listen to the students and other staff that know Mr. Black.

He is one of the souls that is truly gifted to work with children, and you cannot put a dollar amount on how valuable he is.

 

Angela Rogers:

You can’t put a price on Mr. Black. His impact is immeasurable.

What a huge blow to these kids.💔

We need more Mr. Blacks in our world.

 

Monica Vidoni:

Getting rid of Mr. Black is literally giving away the safe space for the school. It’s sickening.

 

Carrie Wilkinson:

To let Mr. Black go is a downright disgrace to these kids; he has been the glue that has held them all together.

He genuinely puts his heart and soul into each child that walks through those doors; they can trust him, they can confide in him, and he will listen.

All of my kids have graduated from CHS, but still to this day I hold the utmost respect for him.

Please do whatever it takes to keep him on board; these kids need him.

 

Payton Wilson:

Mr. Black kept me in check in the best ways possible.

He is NEEDED at that school.

He is the only one that shows any kind of compassion for the more “troubled youth.”

His office is always a safe space.

Read Full Post »

“I will forever be grateful for him”

Posted in budget cuts, tagged , , , on June 22, 2023| 4 Comments »

Lily Leedy is speaking out about the impact Tom Black had on her during her time at CHS. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

There is a human cost to every budget cut.

On paper, it’s dollars and cents.

But the impact one school employee can have on a generation of students is immeasurable.

This week Coupeville Schools Superintendent Steve King, working on a mandate from the school board, announced a third series of cuts.

A response to the district’s General Fund balance being projected to fall below 6% of the budget year’s expenditures, the reduction may go as high as $1,450,000.

As of June 21, cuts stand at $1,269,100.

This includes bringing an end to the position of Dean of Students, which had been held by Tom Black, a 19-year employee of the district.

The district, and the superintendent, expressed gratitude for his service.

Black, standing tall for all of his students during the pandemic. (Brian Vick photo)

Reaction to the news from Wolf Nation was swift, and impassioned.

The first to speak out is Lily Leedy, a 2022 Coupeville grad.

Her words, which she has graciously allowed me to reprint in full:

 

Hi David,

Just wanted to share why I think saving Mr. Black would benefit Coupeville and the kids attending Coupeville.

My freshman year was a medical roller coaster with medication and all; I never wanted to work or try in school, always had a massive attitude, and was not myself at all.

I was at my lowest.

Mr. Black allowed a safe place for me, a place I could go when my head was too full of problems.

He made me realize struggling wasn’t a weakness and there are always people out there that truly care about you even when it feels like the world is your enemy.

Every day he showed me that it’s OK to cry and his office could always be my place to vent.

I truly believe I wouldn’t have made it so far or become who I am without such a great support system that he had created for me.

I remember him telling me that not knowing what you wanna be or do is not because you aren’t capable, but because you’re allowed to move at your own pace without feeling like you need to go with everyone else’s pace.

I will forever be grateful for the patience and understanding he had for me.

Mr. Black had my back, now we need to have his.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »