Three years ago this month, I came to Salmonier. I set up school in the basement of the inmates' quarters and I haven't looked back. The arrangement of being in the bunkhouse has some definite advantages.

Over the past few years I have heard many comments about the school and the services it provides. Perhaps the most common remark is "We do not realize how good we have it. We don't even have to go outdoors to go to school."

As a teacher, a comment like that has lots of messages into it for all inmates. In my view, the number one message is "learn to appreciate what you have for it is only when it is taken away do you miss it." I am very sure that anyone who has ever been locked away understands this. Has the past three years been easy? No! The past three years have not been easy, at times. I say this because for me, personally, I had no prior knowledge of what it would be like inside a prison and, most certainly, I had no knowledge of what it would be like to teach in prison. I was looking for a challenge three years ago - and I found it here.

Most inmates at SCI have been cooperative and supportive of the school but not all. For those inmates who appreciate the school and the serves it provides I am there to help.

If you have recently been sent to SCI, and you are interested in finding out more about the school and its serves, please leave your name at the office. I will talk to you when I receive your name and would be glad to tell you all about the school.

Valentine's Day
Feb. 14, 2000