Does it Take a Village?

With school underway in most areas of the country, public schools are under more scrutiny than ever. For America's children to be more competitive, it is imperative that they receive a good solid education by caring and compassionate teachers. But it's not just up to the teachers. Parents and guardians alike must work together keeping each other accountable. By doing so, you will enable your children to receive the best educational experience possible while at the same time teaching them to be responsible citizens and workers.

My hat goes off to those in the field of teaching today. It isn't an easy task. There are so many good teachers making a big difference in the lives of America's youth. If one chose to believe everything that was reported on the news, you would think there is never anything positive that is happening in our schools today. That isn't to say improvements can't be made. But I wonder if those who negatively look down upon our schools have ever even considered volunteering to make them better. Like it or not, today's youth are tomorrow's future. We can all have a positive impact or we can completely give up on them.

Ways to Improve our Schools

Be involved in your child's academic endeavors by regularly attending PTA meetings and special school events. It is important that you keep aware of what is happening.

Be a room parent - What young child wouldn't love having their parent there helping out in his classroom? And no, you don't have to be a parent to volunteer for helping out in the classroom.

Make yourself available in chaperoning on field trips - You can imagine how excited the students would be knowing they will be away from the school for a good portion of the day. Your presence along with the teacher will give an extra set of eyes.

Be a reading tutor - how can a child function if they can't read? You can work with those who are lagging behind with a little one-on-one attention. If a child knows you care, they will often do better because they have positive reinforcement.

Provide snacks or treats for birthday parties or other events - The teacher can provide a birthday list to you. Volunteering to provide snacks for a few of these events will demonstrate that you care. Some parents just don't have the funds to provide in many cases.

Work as a cafeteria aide - Yes it can get a little messy in the cafeteria. By seeing an authority figure present, there might perhaps be an incentive in making them a little more disciplined in their behavior

Volunteer in the library - perhaps you can shelve books or recommend a good one to read to the students.

This list is by no means the only ways you can help at schools. Contact the school of your choice. It's almost a certainty that they would welcome your help and presence. By communicating with them directly you will know how you can be of assistance.

A Special Shout-Out

For all you educators out there I thank you for committing to the profession where others have given up. Thanks for all you do because you do make a difference. May you all have a productive year with your students as you help shape the lives of these students in your care.