Comments for SHS Principal John Klemme Steps Down at http://www.scarsdale10583.com , comment 1 to 7 out of 7 comments http://www.scarsdale10583.com Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:03:49 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-3742 Mr. Klemme was my English/Social studies teacher and debate/forensics coach at another SHS (Seaholm High School) in Birmingham, Michigan, back in the mid-80s. I have to say that he was, hands-down, the finest teacher I've ever had--and the smartest. Our school, which was nationally recognized, had an interdisciplinary, four-year English/Humanities program, which meant that I was lucky enough to have Mr. Klemme for numerous seminars, writing groups, and electives over my four years. He had a reputation for being the most intelligent teacher in the school (we all wondered why he wasn't a lawyer--or a judge--since it was rumored that he received a perfect score on the LSAT--and we felt privileged that he chose to focus his awesome intelligence on teaching us)--and also one of the toughest (on one essay exam, he awarded no "As" and only one A- [me!]). But he also challenged us in ways few other teachers did (we often read and discussed graduate level material)--and encouraged us to challenge him as well. By expecting so much of us, we felt respected by him--and generally rose to the occasion. My college courses were easy compared to Mr. Klemme's high school classes (seriously)--and that was largely due to the rigorous training that Mr. Klemme provided me (sadly, those college classes were also less rigorous and interesting--and those were at a highly-ranked university). As a debate coach, Klemme's teams won more Varsity and Novice State Championships than I could possibly count (trophies literally lined his entire classroom). Again, he demanded a lot of us, but his intellectual rigor, one-on-one coaching, and faith in us was inspiring and made us want to perform at the highest level possible. And our behavior was just as important to Mr. Klemme as our performance. At tournaments, he always encouraged us to show the utmost respect for the other teams--and he made sure that we acted with class when he won (instead of hooting and hollering, we were encouraged to clap politely) or lost (which was rare--ha). Ethics were extremely important to him--and he would have rather dropped out of a tournament than see his students cheat in any way. He was also one of the kindest, most thoughtful teachers I ever had. He really did listen--and care. He wrote me a letter of rec two years after I graduated--and he always asked my mother about my sister and me, years after both of us graduated. When I heard he had moved on to Scarsdale, my feeling was: good for him (and Scarsdale), but bad for Seaholm (not sure if they've won a debate tournament since!). I'm very sorry to hear of his health issues. But I envy the students in Florida, who will benefit from a teacher who will inspire them for the rest of their lives! - Lori H. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:29:16 +0100 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-1758 Klemme gave in to much to the boorish behavior of the Scarsdale parents-he was far too much a puppet of the administration-it's time for a stronger hand-good luck!! - claremont road Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:52:59 +0100 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-1741 I am sorry the first commentor had a disappointing experience. I must say that mine has been the opposite. I have no real knowledge of how Mr. Klemme discharged his administrative duties but I know that he showed a level of caring to both of my children that I found quite astounding. Including providing support, advice, and help for my older daughter during her first year of teaching in a NY City high school - five years after her graduation from high school. I doubt my high school principle would have even recognized me 5 years after graduation from high school much less have spent the time talking to and offering guidance which he did for my daughter. As for my younger child , she also benefited from Mr. Klemme's thoughtfulness...providing support and understanding when she had some difficulties in school do to a horrible tragedy that happened to a close family friend. I remember her telling me that he had seen her shortly after the tragedy and invited her to his office - and telling her if she needed to talk or any help to let him know. I was touched by his level of caring and knowledge of both of my children. Whenever I would see him he would always ask about my children - by name. I wish him all the very best. - Carolyn Stevens Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:28:29 +0100 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-1731 I am a graduate of Scarsdale High School and the parent of a child who was dismissed by Mr. Klemme and his staff as learning disabled. When we asked for appropriate services, they were denied and, on repeated occasions, John Klemme made promises which he did not keep. We were forced to take our child out of Scarsdale HIgh School. Our child subsequently graduated with honors from a major brand name private school, attended one of the most prestigious Universities in this country, graduated from that University with honors, and now has a high paying senior position in a major New York based corporation. As a graduate of Scarsdale High School, I believe that Mr. Klemme diminished the value of the school's brand for its graduates which includes me and made the school an unwelcome environment to a brilliant child who had some learning issues. I hope the Board does a better job in picking his replacement ... where is Judy Fox? - former scarsdale student and parent Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:10:15 +0100 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-1729 Some district in Florida is very lucky to get Mr. Klemme as a teacher. He is a wonderful, intelligent educator who cares deeply about the whole student. I wish him the very best! - SHS Parent Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:09:01 +0100 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-1725 Klemme, John E $208,274 - White Guy Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:23:23 +0100 http://www.scarsdale10583.com/201103091470/today-s-news/shs-principal-john-klemme-resigns.html#comment-1720 So glad to hear Mr. Klemme plans to stay in education! He is such a bright educator, who cares deeply about the whole student. Some district in Florida is very lucky to have him as a teacher! - SHS Parent Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:36:07 +0100