Schools Need Parents Too...

I have been spending my free time reading this summer…magazines, educational journals, and all kinds of books. One book I have enjoyed is Uncle Dan’s Report Card.

This book is a parenting book that reveals how children were raised in the 20^th Century America, a time Tom Brokaw called raising the “Greatest Generation”. The author, Barb Unell, found her Uncle’s report card from 1914, a time when “everyone worked together with a common purpose: to raise a great generation of hard-working children who respected their elders, behaved responsibility, and believed in a better future for themselves, their community, and their country.”

The grade report had two parts – a school side focusing on academics and social, as well as a home side focusing on books read, helping mother, helping father, care of teeth, things made, money earned, truthfulness and honesty, habits of kindness, promptness, and more!

This book paints a wonderful picture of how home and school MUST work together to give the child the guidance and parameters he or she needs to grow and develop into a responsible citizen at school and beyond. I believe it paints a picture of the partnership we strive to achieve at Oakhill – in 2012 versus 1914, of course!

Prior to reading this book, I ran across a wonderful, heartfelt letter written by one of our very own 4^th grade teachers, Trish Stripling. Trish had no idea the impact her note would have on me, her parents, and anyone who has had the opportunity to see it. Her note, written the last week of school, captured the importance of the parental involvement in school life.

Dear Families, 

This final newsletter is a special edition of The Stripling Scoop.  It is my letter of thanks to all of you for the privilege and pleasure of spending this past school year with your child. 

When I was a little girl, my mom was the perennial volunteer - room mother, girl scout leader, field trip chaperone, etc.  I grew up with such happy memories of holding my mom’s hand at school events, smiling at her in the halls, and enjoying sharing my school experiences with her.   

When I became a teacher (in my early 40s) and began my career in public schools, I was saddened by the changes I saw.  There are still many, many caring parents who step up to volunteer, but the opportunities for them to do so are limited by the many constraints placed on public schools today.  My heart ached for my students, and their families, who I knew were missing out on wonderful school memories. 

Then,  Oakhill and I found each other.  So many times this year I have reveled in the strong family presence and enthusiastic participation at Oakhill’s many and varied events.  I so enjoyed watching my students build memories like I have of my school days.  I am certain that my mom’s commitment to my education played a primary role in my love for school, and for learning.  You have all done the same for your children.  Trust me - comparing you to my mom is the highest compliment I can give. 

So, thank you, from the bottom of my heart ~ not only for your volunteer spirit, but for rekindling in me those wonderful memories, renewing my love for the whole school experience, and reaffirming my belief that every child’s education can and should be caringly crafted and nurtured by the partnership of parents and teacher.  What a gift you have given me this year. 

Most gratefully, 

Mrs. Stripling 

Trish’s letter says it all. Oakhill is here for your child and his or her educational journey, but we are also here for you – the entire family. Working together, we can give your child everything he or she needs and wants…we can bring Uncle Dan’s Report Card to life once again.

We hope to bring the authors to Oakhill this fall during a PTO meeting, but in the meantime, I encourage you to read this wonderful book.

I have always been fascinated by one room school houses and 20^th century school memorabilia; hence the old school desks in the hallway – this book brought the nostalgia of yesteryear into today’s school environment.

Pick up a book and enjoy a good read!

Suzanne