Special to the HT
A totally random observation from this writer at the unofficial end of summer is that there are many more generations making the same statement about the good ole days of school.
Reading last week’s online newsletter, I realized that the editor of our own Rio Blanco Herald Times, Caitlin Walker, mentioned that her children thought her memories of being in school were from “the olden days.” She sounds surprised, which is only a natural reaction as we get older.
Mrs. Walker’s memories are not from that time so, so very long ago. Yet they aren’t the fresh memories most all of us possessed at one time, either.
Here, as happens in so many other communities, people of all ages remember how things were in their “day.” Many can still be described as appearing “youngish,” but quite a bit has changed since they were in attendance. The basic subjects we are all taught are still there, of course.
Accepting change is difficult for everyone. Most administrators and teachers alike would vouch for that. They have already heard, “Things were sure different when I went to school.”
If parents and family members have talked with teachers or attended a back-to-school evening to find out what will be happening in their child’s classroom, they should have a better idea of what the newest changes are — and perhaps be reassured that a few experiences remain exactly the same in schools.
Teachers usually work together to give families a preview of what they should expect in the coming year. They also might be the best people to explain all the ways schools are different these days, as well as the experiences that remain the same.
Here are a few of the subjects they are often asked about: discipline and expectations for appropriate behavior during school; the amount of homework that might be given at each grade level and how much help students might need; and how teachers and parents can stay on the same page to make sure students complete their work.
Communication between parents and the school is important, too, with clear information about what needs to be done before a student falls behind. Parents need to know how to keep in touch with teachers so open communication continues throughout the year.
“When we were in school, we weren’t allowed to __________.”
This is another sentence one overhears in public places around the start of school. The blank could be filled in with almost any word describing a restriction that was said to have been placed upon local students.
Forever, if you ask the high school seniors.
“Oh, for those good ole days.”
Giving school staff some leeway for the differences brought by change is something the majority of local taxpayers have historically supported, along with the daily efforts of those involved in our educational system.
The best education possible for all children is the shared goal. The understanding here is that we are all doing everything we can to keep up with what is happening in our school systems while keeping schools a positive place for everyone.
By DOLLY VISCARDI