School is Back in Session: Words of Wisdom from Grandma!

My mom is a retired elementary school teacher who taught for over 30 years in the school system. She gets really excited about most events in the school year like Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, One Hundred Days of School, etc. However, nothing excites her more than the first day of school.

During this time, she gets nostalgic and breeds words of wisdom to my children. This year, her words were so motivational and potent that I decided to post them on the refrigerator just in case my kids needed a refresher course in the "rules of engagement" according to Grandma.

Grandma's rules include the following:

1. Put God first in everything you do.
2. Be a Good Listener. (Talk less and listen more.)
3. THINK carefully before you talk or express yourself in class or with your friends.
4. Follow directions.
5. Choose friends who will help you and not hurt you.
6. THINK for yourself and make good choices.
7. Study hard and do your best work everyday.
8. Make your parents and yourself proud.
9. Have a great school year!

Of course, these expressions are words to live by. I only hope that my children will enforce them through out this school year. Come on kids...an order has been made so let's have a fantastic, delightful, hardworking, and super SCHOOL YEAR!!!

Questions for Potential School Board Members: Summation

On August 11, 2009, a group of change agents joined together with a common goal, theme, and objective...to discuss a need for better education on behalf of our schools and children in Charlotte.

Individuals and Organizations who were represented and are motivated to make a stand include:

Achieve Together, a project of the Lee Institute and a community partner funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Friendship Community Circle, a group of nine individuals working to improve the academic status within the Achievement Zone schools in Charlotte.

GenerationEngage, a nonpartisan, non-proft organization that empowers young adults to become leaders in their community and active participants in our democracy.

Potential School Board Members, a group of individuals who want to make a difference by offering solutions and creative options to enhance our public educational system. I commend you for your sacrifice and passion in wanting to serve!!!

There is an old saying that says "together we stand, divided we fall". As change agents in our society, let us be strong, devoted, determined, united, and committed. Together, we can do this..."Yes, we can!"

Questions for Potential School Board Members Continued

I asked to hear your opinions, questions, and concerns on what you would like for a potential school board member to address. Here are the responses below...

1. How is the dropout rate for your school system calculated? Does it accurately measure education completion?

2. Have you researched the benefits of year round academic calendars (year round schooling)? What is your position on the subject?

3. Business and industry thrive in areas that have a prepared workforce. What plans do you have for collaborating with economic development stakeholders in the community to ensure a prepared workforce?

4. What accountability requirements do you propose for parents?

5. Do you believe in life-long learning? If so, how have you modeled this belief and what opportunities do you propose for the other board members?

6. If elected to serve as a board member, how would you regulate distribution of funds (including donations) for schools in order to give all schools in the county the same financial and technology resources?

Thanks so much for this powerful and hopeful interchange. These questions will be directed to various potential school board members in my city. I would ask that you reveal these questions and concerns in your city too.

Questions for Potential School Board Members: Let Me Hear From You

School board members are oftentimes the policy makers for public schools. Like an elected official, they run for the position and are voted upon by registered voters. If you could interview upcoming and potential board members, what types of questions would you ask?

Here are a few questions that I would pose...

1. In my area, only 55 percent of third graders can read at grade level. What measures are you willing to take to improve the reading curriculum?

2. Despite the economic situation, how do you plan to heighten the educational and testing strides for our students?

3. An article written by national columnist, Nicholas Kristof, stated that American children drop in IQ each summer vacation. What are your thoughts surrounding year round schools? Are you willing to initiate a plan for "free" or "subsidized" tutoring/educational summer programs?

4. What is your learning style? (ie. textbook, experiential, visual, etc.) Do you consider learning styles in planning for our children's educational programs?

5. How would you define a teacher of excellence?

When you have a moment, I would like to hear your questions. Thanks in advance for your involvement.