Hi, Hi, Hi There… School’s Back

There was a song that extoled the joy of school being out for the summer in my youth. My how the times have changed since those days of the three-month summer schedule. It seems as though the proponents of year-round school have found a way to extend the school calendar. As the return to school amps up around us, let’s be sure to remember a few things that help make our community better.

Children need an education. The school calendar has changed a lot through the years but the purpose remains the same: to educate the next generation of people. What we teach is just as important as that we teach. Winston Churchill is often quoted for saying that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. It would be even better if we knew that he was quoting a Spanish-American philosopher named George Santayana.

Parents are usually the first teacher that a child encounters, so they should be a part of the education process. Be involved with your school organizations. Find out when the parent-teacher organization at your child’s school meets and be there. Work with your child on a daily basis, rather than waiting until you perceive a problem. Encourage your child to read 15 more minutes than usual. When parents make learning a priority, children tend to also.

The school board and community benefits from effective communication about the needs that exist. Do you know the name of the school board member for your area and how to reach them? Visit your school board webpage and find out, then make it your mission to talk to them. Build a relationship with your child’s school administrators and teachers. It is so much more rewarding for the educational experience to have your child known because you are known by their teacher, counselor and principal at school.

Finally, if you have not noticed, but there are a lot more scanners in our school zones throughout the area. They are there to encourage drivers to slow your vehicles down in the school zones all day. Please provide our children with a safer environment to travel to and from school by doing your part by obeying the speed limits and giving them the best chance to get the education they deserve.

HHJ News