 |
| 8th Grade- Heidi |
Dyslexia/ADHD made my school years very challenging and often quite discouraging. Sitting at a desk all day was nearly more than my brain could handle. I was often embarrassed and my self-esteem suffered. However, there was one class period where I could be a success. PE. Not only was it my brain break, my chance to recharge, PE was the class where I could shine. I loved leading warm ups. I found a positive way that I could interact with my classmates.
I looked forward to those affirming interactions. Until 8th grade.
It was the first year Irving had coed PE. Armstrong clearly told me that
the boys in the class are the leaders- and that I needed to get used to that
fact. He would not allow me, a girl, to lead class warm ups. I
felt a sense of disgust coming from him for even making the request.
I was a determined young woman. I asked again the next
day. And the next. I was repeatedly told “No”. A boy was
called on each period to lead the class in stretches and exercises, of which
many of the boys had no interest or desire to do.
The gender stereotyping Armstrong inflicted was destructive to
both the girls and the boys. One of my classmates didn’t fit the mold
of what Armstrong thought an adolescent boy should be. The boy was
awkward, he looked down almost all the time, wouldn’t make eye contact. He
did not like sports. He was sensitive and extremely shy. I went
home crying more than once because of the way he was treated. As a student I
observed Mr. Armstrong use shame, ridicule, and punitive measures as way of
influencing students.
The number of people coming forward to share their prejudicial experiences
with Armstrong is astounding. Is this the type of leadership Pocatello wants?
I support leaders who care for and promote the education of ALL students, not just the fraction that “fit in” to their personal ideal. I support leaders with humility who are willing to admit mistakes and right wrongs they have made. I support leaders with the maturity and wisdom to look beyond themselves and make decisions that will foster a healthy community.
I would also like to add this, we are all imperfect. We all make mistakes. We all do things at times that are unkind. I don’t want to judge anyone.
I don’t know what life experiences have led Clayton Armstrong to behave in ways that shame, degrade, and hurt students. Perhaps he has been hurt as well.
I DO KNOW that I want the leaders of our schools, and communities to learn from their mistakes and do better.
I support Heather Clarke for District 25 School Board Trustee.
