School’s In!

(9/2023) The first day of school everything is possible, everything is new. Or hopefully hand-me-downs that are in really great shape. We have a time tested tradition of shopping for school supplies and clothes. Support organizations and socially conscious individuals do their best to get low income families prepared. One and all we send our kids back to school to learn the structure of our society—reading, writing, arithmetic. And to find common ground—a space where we learn why manners matter.

Public school in America was begun as the place to learn common understanding of concepts and cultural norms. In 200+ years it has evolved alongside our understanding of science and the needs of individuals in our society. Special education has a special importance for individuals in our household. Inclusive Pre-K, and for one year Unified Pre-K (the program was not funded this year), are programs that bring children into the classroom not only for an advance on the structured learning of kindergarten, but also a beginning of knowing the individuals who make up their community.

Gifted and trained teachers give our kids the foundation of practical learning and start them out with understanding that manners matter. We are not educating children to fit into your house or mine, we raise them to fit our society. That means everyone in society, to the best of our ability. Right now in 2023 our society is made of the entire spectrum of God’s Children. The black the brown the white the lesbian the bisexual the gay the straight the transgender the questioning the certain the bleeding hearts the self centered. This author won’t even separate us with commas in a list.

That the pandemic rattled our educated brains, is old news. The lesson that it is still teaching us is that when we grownups abdicate our connection to the public school, we lose a lot of our connection to a changing world. We grown ups responded to virtual learning in different ways. Some found new ways to embrace connections with their kids. Some lashed out at teachers and books. With a truly new year before us, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to our schools. Getting involved with school activities directly, and with our neighbors at community events are great options.

Business owners small and large, get requests for donations all the time. One day several years ago, I received such a call, asking me if I would donate to the football team at a high school in a nearby county. Asking for more information on the purpose of the requested funds, the caller identified themselves as an employee of an advertising and marketing firm in a western state, 2000 miles from Maryland, that was hired to print promotional material and fundraise for an east coast high school team (and many others, no doubt). I am all for commerce, economic growth, and savin’ a buck, however I saw this as a lost opportunity of having the same high school’s art and graphics students learn their trade alongside the football team. Obviously, art and graphics study produces trades that support big businesses that reach across our vast economy. Our public schools are part of our community and as such, parents and local business should be equally welcome to give our kids life experience.

Here in Woodsboro and Walkersville there are business groups and agencies to be aware of. The Walkersville Economic Development Commission and the Walkersville Business and professional (WBPA), support business development and our community. Many of our local business owners have long histories of school support at the Walkersville feeder schools, elementary through Walkersville High School.

Do you know about the Walkersville Economic Development Commission (EDC)? This department of the Walkersville Town Council "…will work to retain existing businesses, attract desirable new businesses, and improve economic activities benefiting local businesses and residents." The EDC supports community events such as the Glade Valley Community Show, coming up September 26th - 28th? This is the 78th year for "…the opportunity for all residents of the Walkersville High School district to display their best home grown produce and finest selection of handiwork."

The show opens to the public on Wednesday 9/27 at 3pm, and Thursday 9/28 at 4pm at Walkersville Overlook. There will be entries of food, crafts, photography, artwork. Food trucks on site.

Upcoming on October 22, 12pm - 6pm, is Woodsboro Days. This is becoming wide ranging community venue for a great autumn day in our park. At the bandstand there will be live music, three bands this year. A variety of vendors and food trucks will be on site. I have met local business owners such as farmers from Moon Valley Farm, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm right here in Woodsboro. Contact Woodsboro Burgess Heath Barnes for event information.

Each of these community opportunities supports our families and schools, directly or indirectly. Come out and participate with your local businesses and schools to get a fresh perspective on our fabulous community—your home—all without the expense of a vacation.

The principle of the school I mentioned agreed with me. All students should get the opportunity to advance their understanding of a future career. Administrative forces dictated otherwise. We as community members can make a difference.