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A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses
After forty-nine and a half years as a school employee, it is impossible to stay home when the school bells ring. It is also impossible to walk beside school supplies and resist a new pen or spiral. I believe nearly everyone loves school supplies. Do you feel the same way?
Well, if you cannot resist, just buy a spiral notebook. A spiral can always be used. Those neat colored pens can always be used. I do not usually buy a box of crayons, but I clearly recall how it felt when I broke the first crayon. A crayon never felt the same after it had broken and it certainly did not fit in the box the same.
My desire in writing this article was to bring forth some nice thoughts about your school years. In particular, I hope you will remember some great teachers from this community. I asked a friend, (a local) to help me with names; here are names to get you started. Kearney, Ashorn, Redus, Shaw, Hartley, Derr, Clayton, Jecnek, Menek, and you add the rest. There are truly fine teachers in our community.
Now it is time to prompt you with some back-to-school actions. This can be a time to jump start your student’s enthusiasm. I believe these ideas will make a difference.
Number 1: Show happiness in your voice when you address the list for the first day. Please do not tell any negative stories from your past. Greet the teacher with a smile.
Number 2: If possible, tell your memories of your first school day.
Number 3: Remind your student of some “positive” from the year before.
Number 4: According to the grade level, brush up on some math skills.
Number 5: Remind your student of something great that happened this summer. (Often teachers ask their student to share something from their summer) Number 6: Be certain that your student understands how lunch will be handled. If there are any problems with fees, be certain to write the teacher a note.
Number 7: If the student has any issues with health, make an appointment with the school nurse or official.
Number 8: This last one is terribly personal. (just remember my 49 years) Be sure there’s time for a bath and grooming. The student should be “fresh” and for sure, remember fingernails. If there are problems, a great resource in our community is the Wesley Nurse located in the United Methodist Family Life Center – phone 979-732-5275.
Number 9: If new to the community, make an appointment to speak with the counselor or principal prior to school starting. Always give the new school your records from your previous school.
Number 10: Find answers about your transportation and dress code early on.
Number 11: Be positive in your expectations for the school year. Offer your assistance to make your child’s experience positive.
