School is opening for most students in the United States on Monday, August 28, 2006. Most parents are awaiting this event like children await Christmas. There will be celebration for some and sadness for others. You figure out who is who. The real question is what do both parties expect to achieve during the school year?
Will the parents send their children off with a mandate or will they leave the agenda setting solely to the teachers? It’s my opinion that each child should start the school with some expectations from their parents. Each child needs to know that their parent is a willing participant in the direction of their education. Too many children go to school with the basic admonishment of be good in school and pay attention. What they should be told is that they ‘re expected to learn something new. Then when they come home they should be quizzed about that new material that they learned. Children will only have an enthusiasm for learning if their parents manifest that enthusiasm.
Every school year starts with great expectations from all parties involved in the education process. For some, the enthusiasm stays high and for some the enthusiasm dwindles in about a month. We as a collective community must find a way to help all students achieve in the education process. Teachers must come prepared to give their all to the students under their charge. The school administration must set goals and objectives that the students are expected to live up to.
Overall, the summer is coming to an end and the fall is coming upon us fast. Children voices will blend with the song of the birds in the morning. Some parents will take cameras to school to photograph their child’s very first day of school. Buses will be full of nervous chattering children. Cars will be full of children listening while their parents give final instructions before they arrive to school. It will be a busy, bustling, day for everyone.
I will be standing outside watching as the children embark on their new quest for learning. Go forth, young charges, and bring back something new. We will name it knowledge! I’ll see you after school.
