Countdown

I would never admit it to my children but I secretly, silently joined them in the ritual countdown to the end of the school year. The release from the daily routine of homework, permission forms, fees, fears, drama and general noise was so needed by the end of May, and so welcome. I expect teachers and administrators don’t mean for it to be so, but school can be a tyrannical intrusion in an otherwise gentle and calm childhood. The sheer noise, bustle, crowded, overstimulated rumpus room that some children clamor for can be, well, overwhelming to others. For years I found myself making excuses not to go to our elementary school’s annual carnival. I created baskets, garnered donations, baked cakes, brownies and cookies – but I simply could not breathe in that auditorium packed with sweaty children. It wasn’t until after my children left the school that they confided to me they hated the carnival, too.

Over the past year and half I have visited several high schools in urban core and rural areas across the country – focusing on smaller school units within larger schools. These were not private, magnate or charter schools – they were simply themed or tech schools within larger public school environments – and I have to say that, although I know the data say it ain’t so, to this parent there is much to be said for the small school. Principals who know the names and situations of every student. Teachers who have credentials to teach not only typical students, but certification for the G/T and LD kids too, so they could truly differentiate across the broad ability represented in each classroom. Smaller schools. Highly credentialed teachers. Kids focused on learning what matters. Pretty novel approach? Just saying.

Happy summer.