Why Hudson?

In my work with new teachers I encourage them to ask questions. I want them to feel comfortable in their new role and to understand that they are surrounded by a vast well of knowledge and expertise. We want them to be successful, perhaps as much as we want the students in our classrooms to be successful. Because we know that their success is tied to their students' success. I recently prompted them with a question of my own: What is one thing that you would like to know about our district? For the most part, their inquiry centered around understanding why we all chose Hudson and what makes it special. What are our values? What is the best part about being in a school in a small community? Today then, I'd like to share my own personal reasons with them.

For me, Hudson parallels my own school experience. I grew up not far from here in a school very similar in size to Hudson. In fact, for a while my alma mater was part of the NICL. Coming to Hudson was familiar to me; akin to 'coming home'. Growing up in a small town has tremendous advantages. We know our neighbors. We watch out for one another. We are fiercely loyal to our community and to our school. So in that regard, I chose Hudson because it resembled my known paradigm. It's like a warm blanket on a cold winter night.

But it goes a bit deeper than that. After graduating from high school, I attended a private Catholic college in Dubuque. From that point forward, over the next 20 years I was immersed in the private school system. My career in private education was very satisfying. It is where I learned to teach and where I first began my journey in administration. The people were wonderful. The reality though, is that system was not indicative of the average Iowan. That system served(s) upper class families with similar backgrounds and belief systems. It was not representative of what most Iowa students experience in their formal education. And while I share that faith tradition, the school system was contextually foreign to my formal educational experience.

I came of age in a small town, Iowa school district that included a cross section of the community where I lived. There were upper class families, middle class families, and families that struggled. Some of us went to the local Catholic church on Sunday, while some may have gone to the Methodist church. Others, well they may not have gone at all. Family dynamics were different. We had two parent families and one parent families. The dissonance wasn't all that important. In spite of those differences, we learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and respect for one another: even when we disagreed. The most important commonality, well that was the community, and the center of that community was the school. If you were looking for something to do, you went to the music concert on Tuesday night and the football game on Friday night. We all wore the same color jersey and were proud to do so. I believe that same dynamic exists here in Hudson. 

Again, to underscore my private school experience: it was rewarding and very satisfying. But it does not emulate the life of the average Iowan. The mission was/is very different. On one hand, we are charged with providing a rich and comprehensive education to all students regardless of their background. Regardless of whether or not they had a meal the previous day, who their parents are, or even what their belief system might be. We are charged with embracing this 'melting pot' of children who bring with them differences as vast as the tapestry of cultures that blanket our community and state; helping them to understand their place in the world. To learn to get along with one another, to understand differing positions and to respect the differences in those around us. In other words, to create 'contributing citizens'. 

All of this, as opposed to a system where those differences are not often acknowledged. Where opportunities to engage in rich dialogue where honest and open debate can flourish: are missed. Our chance to create 'contributing citizens' and to expand on the ideals of a 'more perfect union' take a backseat to a singular value system. During my time in private education I was very clear about our mission and vision for the institution: an indoctrination in the faith. Indeed the language was explicit.

I suppose everyone is proud of where they come from. After all, we all want to believe that we come from someplace special. I certainly believe that about this community. This school district is strengthened by the community. Likewise, I hope and believe the school district enhances and strengthens the community. Our ability to work hand in glove only further cements those bonds. I suppose that is because we all want the same things: a well educated group of students who will one day live in and contribute to our community.