September 14th, 2010
Dear Alex and Sam,
Imagine being out on Halverson Field at Doris M. Stahl Junior High during P.E. one day and a Cessna Airplane dive bombs right at your head. So close, that you felt like hitting the ground so it wouldn’t hit you. Most likely you would have had to change your underwear afterwards. Not long after Stahl opened a class of students had this experience. The pilot was not some crazy person with at death wish or someone who was dealing with mechanical problems. It was in fact one of Stahl’s very own teachers who was a big into flying and planes. He had taken the day off and wanted to pull this practical joke on his fellow staff members in the P. E. Department. His prank would have gone off without a hitch other than he was so low to the ground that the P.E. teachers were able to get the numbers on the plane and report it to the FAA. Turns out that the FAA, Police and School District didn’t find it as funny as he thought it was. The prank landed him in hot water, but it also landed him into Stahl Legend Status. Even without the plane incident Mike Salmon was and still is a Doris M. Stahl legend and in the few years I was fortunate enough to work with him he definitely left a Footprint on my life.
Mr. Salmon was one of those teachers that when a student saw his name on their schedule they would cringe, because they had heard these larger than life rumors of how strict he was. Most of the rumors about how tough he was were true. By the end of the year though or sometime down the road they would realize what a great experience being in his class was. Mike taught Eighth Grade United States History and he demanded a lot out of his students. He was always challenging them to do more than what they thought they were capable of and it was amazing how many times students would meet and exceed the challenge. Mr. Salmon was not a “huggie/feelie” teacher, instead he ruled somewhat with and iron fist. Students knew where they stood with him and he was more than fair and most students grew to love and appreciate him. Some of his best work came long before I was ever in the education business. Mike worked in a Tacoma High School teaching special education to students with sever difficulties. Staying true to form, Mike had high expectations for them as well and with some creative methods was able to get students to perform and behave in ways that they had never done in their entire life. He had some parents refer to him as a miracle worker in what he was doing with their son.
Mike, a couple of years ago, retired from the Puyallup School District but his presence is still felt at Doris M. Stahl today. When sayings like, “I don’t care who you are or what your problem is” and “Blind dogs in meat market” are spoken it is as if he still works there. What a blessing it was for me to work in the same department as Mike. He inspired me to keep and hold high expectations with my students. In addition, he let me know that it was ok to have fun at my job and not to take myself too seriously. Next time you see a plane buzz around and dive towards the Stahl track don’t get too worried, it’s just an old friend coming by to say hi.
Love you both,
Dad
Tomorrow: Kimberly (Easterling) Delap
Larry,
Last night Janel signed up on Facebook so we could communicate with our son and daughter in law in California. We were surprised that Facebook had Janel’s birth date before she put in any information. We also found a website which had her teacher information regarding salary, years teaching, age, and other assorted facts.
This morning I was curious about what information was out there about me so, for the first time, I did a search for me. I stumbled across your letter. Wow. Although I still question my exact reported altitude as I crossed over Stahl, the facts are true. I really appreciate your kind words about me. It is somewhat embarrassing, certainly to be referred to as a “legend”. Usually, that descriptive is reserved for dead folks. I am still alive and kicking, but now flying at a safe, legal altitude. Again, thank you for your kind words. If the truth be known, you were and still are one of the best teachers I have ever met. 40 years, 5 districts, 13 different faculties in the business and I can say I have excellent perspective on this.
I will retire this year, again. Know how much I respect and appreciate the kind of person you are and the job you do with kids.
Thanks again for the kind words,
Mike