On the eve of the first day of school, I am reminded of why I bust my ass to read with kindergarteners, sing, play piano, start a Lego club, and even just straight-up write checks for the phenomenal public elementary school my children are fortunate to attend. Its because of the grown-ups: faculty, staff and parents. The kids dont have a clue how lucky they are to be there, but one day they will. Despite my reticence to lose summer and begin another year of homework, projects, and PTO meetings, I have to say I loved coming back tonight to see some people who continually make me laugh out loud, share our mutual burdens, and would jump in front of a moving train for ANY of the kiddos at Glendale. We are a big, happy, and sometimes crazy family - but we show up for one another consistently and get it done in exemplary fashion. I grew up in a public school system like this. Not all children do & I understand how socioeconomic demographics effect a schools success, but I also know that plenty of the parents at our school could afford pricey private schools and instead choose our humble little Metro Nashville, Tennessee city school. For those who would say we are all just privileged, you wont get an argument from me. But its not just about privilege, its about priorities and choices. Its about building a foundation of citizenry in our kids. Its about choosing to support public education so that years from now our children will do the same, helping to rebuild communities and continue a shared culture where accessible high quality public education comes first. So while my kids rejoiced in seeing their buds and finding out who their new teacher was, I gotta give it up for the grown-ups. Thank you all for being who you are and for showing up with it every day for our kids, community and yes, Ill say it, the world.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:49:37 +0000
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