By Sarah Ostergaard
As summer winds down and families gear up to return to school, we look forward to a new school year fresh with opportunity. As we keep a watchful eye on the weather this week, hopefully backpacks have been filled with supplies, the wardrobe has been refreshed with new pieces, after school arrangements are made, schedules are shared, and excitement grows. What will this school year be like?
This school year will become what we make it: our schools are a reflection of us.
Families and educators are partners in raising the next generation. When there is a positive relationship, the children flourish and the community prospers together. How to foster that positive relationship? Time. But time can seem like something only others have, a privilege, or something maybe we’ll have next week.
The cliché is true: we make time for what matters. And schools, educators, and children matter.
While not everyone has hours to spare, everyone does have time to support. Being involved with a local school does not have to be time-consuming or burdensome. Parents, read the school newsletter (it is likely also on the school website). Everyone, make a plan to attend a sporting and/or arts event at the local high school in an evening. Send an encouraging email or handwritten note to a teacher, administrator, or school staff member just because.
Wear spiritwear for your favorite school. It is amazing how many people say, “I went to [school name]” when I’m wearing my favorite local school’s logo on a shirt. Or you can start the trend: say something kind to a stranger wearing your favorite local school’s shirt – why not. An “I like your shirt and I support [school name] too.” is a community building opportunity. We see our schools torn down often enough so let’s create opportunities to build up.
If you do have an hour or a few more per month, there is no lack of opportunity for that time. School organizations need treasurers, graphics designers, and workers; our athletics teams need announcers, referees, fundraising organizers; our arts programs need sponsors, mentors, and people to fill the seats. Career-Technical departments need business representatives on their advisory councils. Each school has a School Improvement Committee that is required to have community members included.
Unsure about joining a school organization? You can join a civic organization that gives back to our schools, volunteer for a nonprofit, or work within your church. Members of the St. Andrews Woman’s Club support a local elementary school until the school can get a PTO organized. The Optimist and Rotary clubs donate time and scholarship funds. The local nonprofit SC Career Kids is expanding into more schools in the area and relies on volunteers to share career insights. Local churches directly impact the Snack Pack program that sends food home with children to have when they’re not in school, and donate time, talent, and treasure to schools in many other ways.
Think about it: we make time to get involved when things are not going well. Can we also make time when things are going well?
Each of us has the opportunity to build up or tear down. News articles vie for our attention with doom and gloom articles about education (don’t believe it all) and school board elections will get nasty (rise above it), and it takes someone (why not you?) to start a conversation with a stranger, recognize an opportunity to get involved, make a positive impact.
Although hours may be in short supply, you’re encouraged to make time for what really matters. Our schools are our community’s future.
