School's Open

A new post will be published each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.


West Broad Street Elementary School
Where It All Started For Me
Education, Friendships, Social Interaction



         For millions of kids across the USA this is the week that begins their new school year.  For millions more it will begin just after Labor Day.  How lucky are they?  I know that my sister in Florida has been busy for weeks preparing for her elementary school class.  I'm sure her head is spinning with ideas, and those kids are darn lucky to have Mrs. Simpler for their teacher. I wonder if they understand their good fortune.

         When I think of the kids in many African nations and other places around the world who would give anything for a pencil and pad of paper, or for the opportunity to have a school nearby, I have to wonder if, in this country, we know how really blessed we are.  I used to moan and groan about the end of summer, and dread the impending piles of homework.  I know I was one who probably took a good education for granted.  As I look back, I remember many wonderful teachers:  Mrs. Hustlebee in first grade;  Mrs. Blake in 5th;  Mr. Kravanek, Mrs. Fabricant and Mr. Pouliot in Junior High, and Mrs. Ostigny, Miss Silverstein, and Mrs. Nardone in High School.  There were many others, but those are the ones who stand out in my mind because they seemed to really care, not just about my education, but about helping me to be my best as an individual.
         And who can forget the friendships?  I hope Christine Murano has forgiven me for biting her in 1st grade--that was MY piece of puzzle, Christine!--Barbara, Suzanne, Linda, Judy, Mary, Tony, Mac and so many others. Do you remember buying comic books at Shea's, the class trip to Mystic Seaport, school dances, our high school performance of Strange Borders?
         I was a pretty shy kid, but not so withdrawn that I didn't notice I was surrounded by a lot of wonderful people, some who were friends from first grade through high school.  School provides that for us--a safe transition from the shelter of home into the larger world.  A way to begin spreading our wings, forming trusted relationships, discovering our abilities and, eventually, learning to fly.
         Reading, math, science and all the other subjects are, without a doubt, important.  However, school also provides a great laboratory for experimenting with getting along in the world:  practicing proper social conduct; learning sportsmanship; becoming a responsible member of the community. And in the midst of all that, we are blessed to learn self discipline, self confidence and self respect.
         So, as this school year begins, and you send those wee ones, and bigger ones, out the door, don't just breathe a sigh of relief that summer is over.  Take a moment to remember your own experiences with school, and all the wonderful people you knew, and possibly still know from those formative years.  How blessed we are that school, at its best, isn't just an institution for book learning.  It really is a place for learning about LIFE !


TODAY'S GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT:
CONSIDER CONTACTING A FRIEND FROM YOUR PAST IN SCHOOL TO THANK HIM OR HER FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES!