First day of school

As I was walking the morning, a sudden thought came over me. Today, being the first day of school in Owasso, is also the first time in 19 years that Pam and I do not have a child going to public school. That is kind of a wierd thought. We know that life moves on, but it sure seems like it picks up speed too.

I was reflecting about this out on the street this morning. They have been a part of 4 school systems, with the vast majority of those years being spent in Owasso. They have received great educations, which prepared them for college and beyond. Two have graduated from college and the other two are attending college in Missouri and Illinois.

I thought some about what seemed to be countless first days of school, bus rides to school, concerts, ball practices and games, back to school nights, conferences, awards ceremonies, and yes, even a trip or two to the principal's office for disciplinary reasons. ( No names here).

We have been thankful for the Owasso schools, because they seem to have a good sense of educating the children, while balancing that with the need for parental involvement. There has always been an open attitude by the administration and teachers. Their doors have been open to us, and through the years we have taken advantage of the access.

What makes it possible for a child to go to public school and succeed in getting an education.( the same question can be asked of private schools.)? I am sure that there are many reasons for this. One of them has to be the desire of parents to be involved in the education of their children. We have been pretty visible parents on most levels. From Booster Clubs to Bond Issue committees , to being a room mother, to actually working in one of the schools, people know we have been interested. So did our kids.

I know I am writing with a broad brush here. Parental involvement does not guarentee educational success. Certainly prayer, conversation and involvement at home, and genuine interest as parents goes along ways. There are other ingredients as well. Making sure your kids hang out with the right kids ( whatever that may be for you) is essential. For us, ( no matter if I worked at a church or not) this would have included a peer group of kids from the church. I am already missing some of Abigail's friends who just used to pop in... Now they are off at college.
All of this does not mean your child will be a star athlete, or a cheerleader, or on the Academic All State team. But it does give them a better chance at knowing they are loved and supported, knowing who they can go to, and knowing that there are expectations regarding good decision making.

The new school year has started. Last night Pam and I decided we would wander over to the 8th grade center to .... watch the Volleyball Team thump Union. It was fun. We got to see people from the church and the community. A couple asked, "What are you doing here?"

My answer: "Its what we do..." Now we will follow our church kids... and Abigail whose college season starts next week... and the Elkins Elks ( Our Son in Law is the basketball coach there), and anyone else we can think of. We love the environment... You will see us at Owasso games... and who knows, even a concert or two.

It's what we do.... and we love it.