Be a Part of the Solution
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Last week, I had the privilege of attending a community meeting regarding the state of our county schools. Person after person shared their heart for keeping the smaller schools in our district open and many presented valid arguments and poignant thoughts. I have a strong appreciation for our smaller, well-run, community schools as both of my children have attended and excelled in this type of learning environment.
I also have a huge heart for the larger schools in our district. I began my official teaching career at Madison County Central School almost twenty years ago. The teachers I worked with were phenomenal, as were the children. God had different long-term plans for me than staying at Central, but as I did then and continue now, I believe in Madison County Central School and all the teachers, administration, staff, and students.
This week I made time to meet with a couple school board members, two principals, and our superintendent. Did I go into these meetings defensive and hot, presenting my own agenda and forcing my vision on them? No, I didn’t. Did I share my thoughts and personal hopes? Yes, I did. But the reason I met with them wasn’t for my own personal promotion—I want to be a part of the solution. I want to offer ideas and brainstorm. I want to be a difference maker.
Changes
Madison County Central School has a reputation in this community. So, when my seventh grader began attending the middle school side this year, I decided to see for myself. We went over the summer and found the school principal so my son could meet her and get a tour of the school before beginning in August. My heart was so full after our tour.
First of all, the assistant principals all have offices in the hallways they oversee—something I longed for when I taught there. Each side has a dean to help with discipline and their offices are in the hallways as well. The elementary side is no longer gray and drab, but walls are covered with colorful murals and positive signage. I talked with many teachers and they shared with me how much better MCCS has become under new leadership. The morale was better than I’d ever seen it and my heart smiled listening to the spark that appeared in old teacher friends’ words. The middle school changes were also encouraging as the principals shared their vision for grouping students in classes by learning levels and pushing students academically. Limiting rambling time outside was also a goal they expressed and targeted supervision by grade levels.
Is MCCS perfect? No. Are they on the way to excellence? Yes. Rome wasn’t built in a day and long-lasting change doesn’t come in a day. But I believe they are well on the way to becoming an amazing school and are making great strides and have come a long way already.
No matter if the district chooses to keep the smaller schools open or not. No matter what direction we decide to go. The only way to make our entire school district better is to be a part of the solution.
How About You?
Have you been burned by the school district in the past? Try again. Voice your concerns to a new leadership team and then join in volunteering your time and support.
Do you see something concerning? Volunteer. Attend PTO meetings. Become a proactive, advocate and voice your thoughts. Then join in being a part of the solution.
Do you wonder if rumors are true? Come see for yourself. I volunteer every Monday afternoon and am currently working with teachers to provide specific volunteer opportunities and mentors. I have volunteer forms and a list of needs. Email me. I’ll connect you.
Is your schedule such that you can’t help physically? We need gift cards to purchase incentives and I also have a list of projects that could use community funding.
How about lunch? We also have many students who need an adult to talk to and encourage them. Let me know if you want to help.
Every school in our district needs community members and parents to come along side and support them. Imagine a county with every school as a high performing, shining beacon of academic excellence. Instead of being a naysayer, let’s be a part of the solution, doing all we can until that dream becomes a reality.
Don’t give up on our school system. Get involved. The more hands we have on the plows the more land that gets tilled. Our students are ripe for harvest. They are future leaders waiting to be inspired. We must come together, Madison, for our children. Join me. Call me. Email me. Let’s be a part of the solution.
