Jim Calkins, the ailing former principal of Westport’s Staples High School, today thanked those who have sent him goodwill messages.
Calkins, principal during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s and now ill in his Martinsville, Va., home, sent an e-mail message to a friend and asked him to pass it along to WestportNow, which first published news of his illness last week (WestportNow Dec. 18, 2005).
“I have heard from more than 200 former students, and more come in every day.” Calkins, who is now in his early 80s, told his friend. “I want to respond to each one individually, but it may be too much of a chore for me physically. I am getting quite weak.”
Calkins asked that the following message be posted on WestportNow:
“To all the Staples students who have contacted me and wished me well: I want you to know how much it made me feel better that so many of you discovered and appreciated what I was trying to do as your principal.
“I am becoming weaker, so I may not get to e-mail each one of you individually, but I am going to give it a try.
“With the faculty, the students, the parents and the backing of the Central Office Administration and School Board, we together accomplished what I was told would not work.
“However we made it work, thanks to you—the students—primarily. We did have fun, didn’t we? God bless each and every one of you.”
Calkins, who served as Staples principal from 1966 to 1974,last week said he would like to hear from former students and staff members. His address is 1500 Kenmar Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112; his e-mail address is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
