Family

The statistics cited last week telling of the measured improvement in many categories over the past few years are cause for positive expectations for Marietta City Schools, its students and staff. Certainly Dr. Baker’s leadership has been instrumental in making these improvements. The numbers produced during his time here have been impressive. And the endorsement of the direction of the district by the voters last spring in renewing the levies to continue funding near the previous levels spoke well of the accomplishments. We will miss him.
We will also miss Renee’ Schoonover, Principal at Phillips Elementary as she takes her many talents to another district to be closer to family and a new grandchild on the way. In both cases, careers are important, challenging, fulfilling; but family comes first as it should.
Witnessing these career moves made in large measure with family in mind brings to the forefront one of the most important factors in a successful student experience at any school. Family. Not necessarily a traditional family, but a support system that may be composed of friends, neighbors or shirttail relatives. People who care and let the student know they care.
A few months ago your writer was with a group of four teachers who were letting off steam after school hours in a hallway before going home for the day. The topics of conversation, as always with teachers, were centered around students and teaching. One of the teachers made a comment that contains far too much truth and deserves attention. She said, “Of course you realize, WE are raising these kids.”
The other teachers concurred and provided input as to the many things they were doing as teachers that in years gone by were activities more of parents than teachers. Teaching basic social skills,study skills, responsibility, manners and appropriate language usage and interaction with peers. There was a long stream of conversation on the topic until the group broke up and went their separate ways.
That conversation has caused me to be more aware of such things in the ensuing months as I travel about the schools watching and listening. All of the board members are aware of the concept and witness it as well. Education has changed in response to changing family units, job responsibilities, living arrangements and a host of other factors that affect a student’s life. The teachers of my youth would be overwhelmed with the changes from then to now.
School is no longer just about the three Rs and recess. Students no longer fit a predictable and definable set of criteria. And behaviors can range greatly from what would have been acceptable just a decade ago. In short, society is changing and those changes are reflected in our schools.
There is, however, that one underlying factor that is the most significant predictor of student performance, family support. Or at least the support of an adult in a student’s life who puts value on the relationship with the student. And who the student respects and does not wish to disappoint.
As we undergo the changes brought about by career moves and other outside factors we might each ponder how it is we could play a larger role in a student’s life thus helping the process and affecting the outcome in a positive way.
From asking a neighborhood student how their day went to giving time to chaperone an activity or provide some tutoring, nearly everyone can find a way to add that little bit extra that can make a significant difference. The teachers and students will notice and benefit. As will we all.