Indian Club supports Hendrickson
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Editor,
We, members of the Polson High School Indian Club, publicly give our support to our assistant principal, Shawn Hendrickson. We think that it is totally unjust that he has been let go from his position for next year, yet has not been given any reason why. The logical question anyone would ask in this situation would be why, yet nobody will provide answers.
On the other hand, we students can provide numerous reasons why Mr. Hendrickson should stay at PHS. Firstly, he is the only consistent administrator we’ve had since we’ve been at PHS. Consistent change of administration is not good for students—we don’t get a chance to know our principals, or vice versa. Inconsistency of administration trickles down to inconsistency in all aspects of our school, which eventually affects our learning environment.
On a more personal basis, because Mr. H cares about us, he is a good person to talk to. He talks to us out in the halls, rather than staying tucked away in his office. Some students don’t even know we exist, or care, but Mr. H pays attention to us as individuals. He is honestly concerned about everyone, not just the elite of the school, successful students and athletes, etc. Mr. H makes us want to be in school. He is positive and encourages us.
Mr. H is a good role model for us. In other schools, we don’t see many Indian teachers or administrators. We respect Mr. H for coming home and working with his own people, and with students at Polson High School. He inspires us, and sets a positive example that we, too, can be successful, and pursue a career.
Since Mr. H has been at PHS, we have seen school spirit increase. More students are going to games and involved in different activities. He helps students organize more opportunities for us to participate, which helps balance schoolwork with fun.
Mr. H has high expectations for us. As assistant principal, he’s our school’s disciplinarian. Some of us have been reprimanded by him, or served detention as assigned by him. Although this is not a fun experience and it would be easy to blame him, we know he is consistent and for sure will make us accountable for our behavior. This is an important part of learning as well, and needed to become responsible young adults.
Lastly, and most importantly to us, Mr. H has made everyone more aware of Native culture and issues throughout our school. It is not always easy attending PHS as an Indian student. Many times we feel we are not a part of the school culture. As a “subgroup” we know we are blamed for PHS not making AYP (annual yearly progress), yet many of us are excellent students and leaders. If our district administration and school board is honestly concerned about lessening the academic gap of Native students, why would they take away our strongest advocate and role model, someone who understands and supports us? By doing so, not only have they served Mr. Hendrickson an injustice, but they served an injustice to every one of us as well.
Aspen Many Hides
President
Polson High School Indian Club
