Letters.

A Request Fulfilled

A year ago I wrote to The School Administrator expressing my perception of the need for an issue devoted to the challenges superintendents face and how they survive them. You certainly delivered in September.

Of special interest to me was the focus on surviving and getting back into the game after the loss of a superintendency. Thank you. For me this has been one of the most beneficial issues.

LEWIS HOLLOWAY

Superintendent, Athens Public Schools, Athens, Ga.

I read with great interest the articles in September pertaining to wellness for oneself in order to cope with the demands of the superintendency.

As a superintendent for the past 11 years, I believe the wellness program I commit to has a profound and positive effect on the way I approach the tasks of the position. I encourage all individuals in our profession to embrace a plan of action for personal wellness that not only benefits and enhances the personal side of the ledger but also strengthens our professional demeanor.

RICHARD A. LYONS

Superintendent, Maine School Administrative District 22, Hampden, Maine

When Pigs Fly ...

Peggy Hinckley offers good advice and encouragement in "When Pigs Fly and Cats Bark" (September 2001). What I want to know is if she can practice what she preaches.

I have read or heard everything she discusses but knowing it intellectually and actually doing it are two entirely (depressingly) different things.

Her article, along with the rest of the articles in this issue, provides plenty of tips on stress management and wellness strategies.

JACQUELINE BEERY 

Superintendent, East Noble School District, Kendallville, Ind.

Peggy Hinckley's thought-provoking article clearly defines a subject that touches all of our lives in different ways. The points she made are so profound yet fundamental.

Everyone who reads her article can definitely relate to the stress that is prevalent in the daily life of a superintendent and her advice, if heeded, can help that individual truly learn to manage his or her stress.

Thanks for sharing her experiences with us. It was great to be reminded again about the dangers of stress.

TERRY J. THOMPSON

Superintendent, Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, Indianapolis, Ind.

Fitness for Busy Bodies

What a delight to read John Gratto's well-written and helpful piece ("Physical Fitness for Busy Bodies," September 2001). It was interesting, nicely organized and relevant, and it might even help some careers.

I've been addicted to doing my five miles of running every morning for 25 years. One of the things I've noticed is that I get a lot done--planning, thinking, pondering in ways that aren't otherwise available.

DALE MANN

Managing Director, Interactive Inc., Huntington, N.Y.

I hope John Gratto's article will inspire others.

I sort of let myself go after going back to school, getting a new administrative position, growing older, etc. In May, I reconnected with myself and have begun my physical fitness program. I now have regained my physical and emotional wellbeing. I have even inspired others with my walking, biking and lifting program. We even plan to organize bike rides for teachers in our school corporation.

MARY BETH HULECKI

Director of Special Education, Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative, Goshen, Ind.

A Wonderful Perspective

I enjoyed Janice Cooper's guest column ("Keeping One's Perspective") in the magazine's September issue.

Although it didn't work with the cheerleader mom, Cooper's strategy for sorting the significant from the trivial is wonderful and will help me to keep my own priorities in line, I also will try this approach with people who are clearly viewing issues from a different perspective.

MARY E. RODMAN

Administrative Director, Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, Latrobe, Pa.

As a superintendent in his 7th year, I have discovered the only time I have difficulty coping is when I lose my perspective.

The last part of Janice Cooper's guest column hit home for me where she wrote: "I understand that I am but a small part of this world, but regardless of the job I choose, the most important task is to care for and help other people."

I borrowed my philosophy of education a few years ago from Roots of Reform by Terry Astuto and others and this is it. It coincides with what Cooper is saying. The students of Arkansas are living the only life they will ever have. If the school, by intent, neglect or oversight, makes that life less than it should be, a crime has been committed against them.

I try to keep my perspective by remembering I am their servant. I am pleased to know that Cooper seems to feel the same way.

JOSEPH CORNELISON

Superintendent, Armorel School District 9, Armorel, Ark.

A Cover to Keep

I appreciated the cover of your June 2001 issue that depicted the superintendent as Superman so much that I have had it framed and placed on my office wall. You wouldn't believe the conversations that it has generated!

DON FALK

Superintendent, Red Deer Public School District 104, Red Deer, Alberta