Thank you, Mrs. Berick!

One of my favorite books by Patricia Polacco is called Thank you, Mr. Falker. It's an autobiographical story about the author's struggle to learn to read. For me, it is a story of what it means to be a teacher, a really great teacher that touches a student's life and changes it forever. It has been Molly's great privilege to have Mrs. Berick as her Firestone High School dance instructor for four years. It is with honor and great respect that I call her a colleague and a friend. It's a sacred and humbling trust we share- a shared mission as we both work to do what is best for the children we teach. Right now, Ohio is currently embroiled with the pending legislation of State Bill 5. Basically, it calls for the repeal of collective bargaining rights for teachers, as well as other public employees. Being an independent school teacher, I haven't kept current with union issues. Independent school teachers usually sign a one year contract with no tenure option offered. Likewise, we are not part of the state retirement system. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about SB 5. Was it really my issue? (I got out of public education partially because I wasn't always in agreement with union policies and practices.) Did I really care? My recent experience with the union (in dealing with a matter involving my own child) left me cold. After many hours of reflection, I decided I had to put my effort behind the repeal of SB 5. I couldn't afford to be a bystander if it meant that dedicated, engaging, and child centered teachers like Mrs. Berick might lose their jobs and their rights to negotiate.

So, because of Mrs. Berick and others like her, I plan to work hard and stand with my fellow teachers in supporting the repeal of SB 5. Secondly, David and I plan to work hard to keep the Visual and Performing Arts program firmly established at Firestone High School and to make sure dance retains its unique space in that program.

At a dance banquet several years ago, Mrs. Berick told a story about her old dance teacher Miss Joy. She talked about how whenever the dancers did something well, or did what was asked of them, Miss Joy gave them a green dot. Mrs. Berick instituted this program with her own dancers. At the end of the year, she always gave out "green dot" awards to the students in the dance program who had acquired the most dots. It was mostly done in good fun, but it was a subtle reminder to follow the rules, to do what's right and always put your best (turned out) foot forward.
So, lastly, Mrs. Berick, to honor you, I plan to begin the Kelly Berick Green Dot Awards with my first grade class this fall. Each time I hand out that sticker and a small hand puts it on their chart, I will remember you and the wonderful mentor, teacher, role model and friend you were (and will continue to be :) to my Molly. Thank You, Mrs. Berick!