Educational Insights: Monday, August 25, 2008
Our Children = Our Destiny
Dr. Paula Sissel Superintendent/Elementary Principal
August 25, 2008
-National Urban League
When schools and parents work together for kids, the ordinary can
become the extraordinary! The Nebraska Association of School Boards
(NASB) is launching a “Be There” campaign to promote parent
engagement in their child’s education. It is designed to inspire
parents and other significant adults to create positive connections
with their children. Be watching for NASB posters around town and
listening for radio ads to heighten awareness about positive
parenting.
The Nebraska Parental Information and Resource Center (PIRC)
states, “the word parent means any adult who is responsible for
caring for a child or youth. Children learn best when families and
schools partner together to encourage and support their learning”
(http://www.nebraskapirc.org/). It is clear that teachers cannot
fully maximize a student’s learning without parent support and
interaction. Undoubtedly, parents make the positive difference in a
child’s educational experience. The commitment from teachers and
parents to mutually support each other is a huge plus for today’s
youth.
Recollections about families in the past reveal glaring differences
compared to present-day families (2007, Grant):
Nearly all children come from families with both parents working
outside the home today (and many parents take work home).
Extended families rarely live close by, with mobility being much
more prevalent today.
Large numbers of children live in broken homes.
Children often choose sedentary activities over outdoor physical
play activities.
Many kids claim boredom and are unable to entertain themselves.
Many more children are indulged with more material things.
There are more overweight and obese children (with childhood
diabetes becoming an epidemic).
Often, there are no boundary lines.
These differences do not indicate a lack of hope. We simply must be
more purposeful and informed about positively engaging everyone in
a child’s education. Children and families are our state's greatest
resource: they are our future. The Nebraska Children and Families
Foundation is dedicated to uniting partners statewide who work
every day to ensure the best for our children and families. By
working together, strong communities are cultivated where children
and families can thrive. Log on to this foundation’s website for
awesome activities and resources: http://www.pcanebraska.org/.
“Children may be just a portion of a nation’s population,
but they are 100 % of its future.”
-H. B. Price
