Why We Love Our Public School

WhyWeLoveOurSchool

Last week there were two occasions where I overheard some moms discussing how horrible our public schools are. The second time it happened I couldn’t stop myself, I had to say something. But when I asked them specifically which school they were talking about they looked at me with shock. “Oh, my kids aren’t in school yet.” What, the WHAT??? Through a little more conversation it turns out that this group of moms hadn’t stepped foot in a public school, or any school for that matter, in at least 5-10 years.

My kids attend public school. I say that with pride. They attend public school not because I’m too lazy to homeschool or because I’m too cheap to pay for private school. They attend public school because it’s the best fit for them and because when you step inside our school, you quickly realize it’s a pretty amazing place. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m under no illusion that our school is perfect. Are there problems? Absolutely! But the more time I spend inside our public school, the more wonderful things I see.

I see volunteers, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, who show up day after day to help. Not just for the class parties, but also as reading tutors and guest speakers–and to do things like file paperwork and make copies. Parents that show up, not because it’s required of them but because they WANT to be there.

I see the crossing guards, not just the paid ones, but also the volunteers who arrive before daybreak in the cold and in the rain to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school.

I see local business partners that sponsor events, but that also donate time and manpower to make our school a better place.

I see a music teacher who can command a stage full of scared kindergarteners with ease and an art teacher who makes sure our hallways are decorated with amazing creations.

I see administrators who know the names of almost every student and parent. Administrators who work year round dealing with hard situations like overcrowding while remaining positive and upbeat. Administrators who aren’t above taking a pie in the face if it encourages kids to read just a few more books during the year.

I see janitors and custodians who show up on their days off to help set up for events and stay late to make sure the school is clean and ready for the next day of classes.

I see a PTA that works more hours than I can count. A PTA that makes sure kids who can’t afford it can go on field trips and is constantly raising money to support our teachers and supplement our classrooms. A PTA that makes sure no family is hungry at Thanksgiving or goes without gifts at Christmas.

I see teachers. Oh, the teachers. Teachers who love their students with their whole hearts and would do ANYTHING for them. Teachers who teach not because they’re motivated by a huge paycheck, but because of some greater calling. Teachers who not only feed children’s minds but also their souls. Teachers who stay late and arrive early because they want to be the best teachers they can possibly be.

But most importantly, I feel a sense of community. As I walk the halls of our school, I sense that we’re all in this together. Parents, teachers, administrators… all of us. A small village working together to give our children an amazing education and experiences that will carry with them the rest of their lives.

So next time you find yourself standing outside, casting stones at your public school, try coming inside for a while and you might see some of the amazing things that I see. That school might not be the right fit for your child, but you might just discover there are some messy, beautiful things going on inside.

Shannon Beckham
Shannon is a former Special Education Teacher turned SAHM to two great kids, Cole and Kiley. Originally from Miami, Shannon met her husband while they were both attending the University of Florida (Go Gators). They decided to put down roots in Jacksonville Beach, and are very much enjoying the laid back salt life.

5 COMMENTS

  1. Our schools are the seat of our future. It is great to see that Duval Public Schools do so much to involve the community to make their schools as great as possible. At our salon we offer an educator discount, and have a “Clips for Kids Program that has raised nearly $4000 in the 2014-2015 school year. We look forward to more opportunities to help as many of the schools in Duval as we can.

  2. Im glad you have had that experience in your public school. That is not the experience in all public schools . The school is made by the principal when you have great leader’s you have a wonderful school be it public or private. I have experienced both wonderful and absolutely horrible public schools.I can always go back to how the school is run as to which experience I have had in the public schools.

  3. I love to hear about good public school experiences! I absolutely support each family in their decision to educate their children in the way that works best for them…with all support and no judgement from any direction!! ? It’s wonderful to have a good public school experience, but sadly that doesn’t always happen, no matter how involved a parent may be! There truly isn’t a “one size fits all” for any of these scenarios! It’s so beautiful when we all support each other in each individual family’s choices…it’s what really makes our country great! ???. God bless your school year!! ??

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