What I Learned When I Went Back to School

by Nola Renz, Community Impact Manager - Early Grade Excellence

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in one of Bethel School District's FUTURESCHOOLS tours open to community members, parents and staff. I selected the tour of elementary schools which consisted of three sites within the district. If you haven’t been at an elementary school lately and observed classes and activities – you are truly missing out!


Photo: Bethel School District

What did I see? Whole schools engaged in learning and supporting their children.  Children happy and enjoying learning in a multitude of ways. Children working together, knowing how to share what they've learned and excited to help their peers. Teachers respectfully and creatively engaging their students. Kindergartners learning math. First graders reading and writing about what they had read. Fourth graders learning and sharing their math knowledge and working together to solve bigger problems. Teachers giving clear direction and children LEARNING! Did you do math in kindergarten? Were you able to write the character names and setting of the story you had just read by yourself in first grade?
 
At United Way of Pierce County, we are focused on the challenges kids are facing in the classroom. We are collaborating with others in our circle to bring partners together and help more kids succeed in school. On this tour, I saw not only teachers but fellow students collaborating to do the same. 
 
I left the tour proud, amazed and excited by what I saw.  It was wonderful to hear the excitement and interest from the other 35 tour participants as well.
 

If you are one of those who haven't been in a classroom lately, I encourage you to call your district office and set up a visit and perhaps a tour at your local elementary, middle or high school. You will be amazed at the work being done. 

Right now several of our school district’s have important levies coming up for vote. Education is critical and our schools need our support to insure the success of our children. The children who are leading our world into the future need us and we need them to be educated and successful. Together, we can Change the Story for our kids and our community.