Has school begun where you are? In Texas most private and public schools have begun. Y’all know I have invested lots of years in public education, both as a parent volunteer and a paid teacher/administrator. I’ve been retired now for 11 years. That number blows my mind. How is that even possible? Well, I retired in 2007. This is 2018. There you go. My math skills can even figure that’s 11 years. So, I’ve been writing about 12 years with 6 published books.
Because I spent about 4 years as a substitute teacher, every August my dreams revolve around not knowing where I’m going. I can’t find the school. If I find the school, I can’t find the classroom. If I find the classroom, there are no materials. (All based on real experiences.)![MP900341522]()
After becoming an administrator, my dreams switched to not having completed the staff evaluations in the appointed time. Any time I get stressed, these are the repeat dreams I have.
As you know, I’ve put off getting Book 7 completed to do volunteer work at my church regarding, moving out of our old building, setting up in a temporary place, and remodeling the new place. So, for the first time in many, many years, this August I haven’t dreamed the traditional school stress dream. Now, they are all about buildings in various stages of disrepair. I think I’m relieved. ![🙂]()
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The church from which we’ve moved.
But let’s talk a bit about education. I confess I have a bias toward public education, but I recognize every parent must make the best decision for her child. Fortunately, public schools are offering more choice opportunities. Let me encourage you to do everything you can to support teachers and schools. Education is our most valuable strategy for getting people out of poverty and for developing thinking, caring citizens. (Good parents help, too.) ![😊]()
For the last couple of weeks, our church has been gathering supplies to present to the teachers at an elementary school we have a relationship with. The supplies are provided so when kids don’t have what they need: paper, pencils, crayons, tissues, etc., the teacher doesn’t have to dig into her/his own pocket. That’s what teachers do. Several years ago, the state of Texas granted a stipend to teachers for that out of pocket expense, but the legislature discontinued it after only a couple of years. If you live near a school, I encourage you to take supplies. They will be very welcome.
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Outside the school in which I was principal for 5 years. Lots of good times here.
My younger granddaughter, entering first grade this year, attends a neighborhood school with a great PTA. They have one day a month that’s a play day after school. The PTA provides popcorn and water and the kids have a ball. They do other things, too. I’d just never heard of this event, and what I witnessed when I picked up Sarah was just really cool.![IMG_7285]()
My other two grands have been in private school and are now attending a home school consortium. They are in a classroom setting two days a week. My daughter teachers them the other three. I cannot think of anything harder to do in the world than teaching your own kids. But I know lots of folks choose to do that. I’m glad there are so many supports out there to help them.
Whatever parent organization is at your local school, please join.
Have you ever been a teacher? Did you volunteer at your kids’ schools? What’s one of your favorite memories of school—either your own days or your kids’ days? Are you a private school person, home school, or public school? All teachers need our support. Love to hear from you.
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