Dr. Platten

Saint Joseph lost a fantastic staff member, Dr. Platten, this week. She worked with our students in a one:one setting to ensure their support and helped families/teachers in setting up IEPs.

However, her impact was greater than a mere job description or outline of her duties.

Arlene believed that every student could learn; that every student had talents, abilities, and promise; that every student deserved both a smile and to be at St. Joseph. Despite her own health and her own struggles with cancer, she was always anxious to work at SJS for the students.

Because of this she was an inspiration. In my own teaching history, I have struggled to ensure that I am differentiating and supporting/loving each of my students - especially those most challenging. As a leader (and largely inspired by Laura A. at St. Bernard's), I have come to realize we need to be sure to include all students - regardless of test scores, family situation, or income - in our Catholic schools - if we are to be truly universal.

Arlene lived that and inspired me (and others) to live that. With her loss, we have lost a star who held myself and our school accountable. Someone who saw God in each child, even when we (as teachers) were frustrated. I'm afraid I'll lose that guidance, that patience, that love now.

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Dear Lord, help me to stay true to the ideal of inclusion. Help me to support our staff, hold them accountable, and ensure that we fulfill your dream of a universal church and school.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Amen.