Believe me when I say I respect all beliefs and all points of view. I start with this because I want to share with you something that I believe in, and it is, in part, what motivates me every day to do my job: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” So, I hope you don’t mind me sharing this verse with you. I see it daily in my closet when I get ready for work. I read it, and I think about it. I don’t take it lightly.
Why am I sharing this with you? Because I want you to understand who I am. You might only care that I wear a uniform and I am here to protect your students. That’s ok. I am definitely here for that. But I want you to know that my calling to be here is rooted deeply in my heart. I think I mentioned this to you already, but I am willing to do for your students the same thing I wish the SRO at my own kids’ school would do for mine. Some days are hard because I am human, but most days are awesome, and I value those days more than the bad ones. I learn from the bad days. They are not always forgettable.
I like to see students opening up to those they trust. During the last couple of weeks, I’ve had chats with some students about talking to adults about certain issues. I encourage them to talk to parents first, then counselors, teachers, myself, and another trusted adult. I’ve told some of your students that finding support in their friends is always ok. But they need to understand that sound advice is always better when it comes from someone with more experience than students their age. I am sure they mean well, but sometimes that advice could get them in trouble.
So, there you have it! This is it for me today. Thank you for your continuous support. I received an email this week from a parent who shared some very kind words with me. To that parent, thank you so much for making my week better. Let’s keep working hard to keep our students safe!
I am very thankful for having the opportunity to be part of your student’s story. If you have questions, please email me at gabe.uribe@stemk12.org, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Stay warm. Did you see how cold it is going to be on Monday?
GO SPARTANS!
Be safe!
Deputy Gabe