The Shenendehowa Varsity Boys Lacrosse coach was suspended and subsequently resigned; the coach had been with Shen for 11 years. Last year, the Planned Parenthood program that was with the district for 20 years also was suspended.
The common denominator in these two situations is the Shen administration's emotional reaction when a small group of parents (who are committed to the best for their children, as we all are) voiced their concerns, which then significantly impacted the larger Shen community.
Look at the way these two situations were handled. Are we teaching a dramatic approach to solving problems as opposed to a thoughtful and responsible approach?
Maybe there is another approach to protect our children while teaching them responsibility, respect and honor for their coaches, fellow athletes, students and educators. Students are taught to solve problems analytically and, hopefully, with empathy. Did we teach that here?
Perhaps a better process for both cases would have been to investigate and then take action. Otherwise, reputations can be ruined and programs disrupted.
Did we miss an opportunity to teach young adults to practice the very buzzwords we teach them in school — respect, compassion, thoughtfulness, fairness — and that situations may be complex and require reflection?
Perhaps if the students had been empowered to address the situation with the coach, in cooperation with the administration and using the values and skills we've taught them, then all parties might have had an opportunity to grow and improve.
Donna Cannon Clifton Park