Thought and Poem

August 1, 2014 – Thought

Over the past several years, there has been an increase of violence in our schools. Our children are feeling anxious about starting another school year, and they are concerned about their safety.

The new school year will be starting soon for many. As we look ahead, because of community efforts to make people aware about the harm bullying can do, we are hoping that all students will think of the feelings of others before they act or speak. In fact, all school personnel and students should make a team effort to stamp out bullying on any school property, and in the homes around the world.

It is the hope of many that all teachers, students, parents, and any involved in teaching our children will be treated with respect and dignity and that no one will be put down because of race, color or creed. It is also our hope that the classrooms will be peaceful, with students energetic and eager to learn new ways while valuing the efforts of all those who teach them.

It is also our hope that all schools open their doors with opened arms to welcome the hearts and minds of our young students as they trust that we will help to lead them into the future with knowledge that will assure and secure proper education for today and for generations that will follow. It is our hope that each person will do their part to ensure that each student is treated fairly as they roam the halls, and as they sit in the seats behind their desks in their classrooms each day.

Let us strive for a year where there are no victims of bullying and that all will take the gift of learning that is before them seriously and earnestly try to have the best school experience ever, for all.

What about you? What can you do to help prepare your students to use proper behavior and speech when interacting with their peers and teaching staff? Share your thoughts with us…Jeanne Claire Probst

Poem: A New School Year

I woke up this morning and I thought to myself

I was feeling somewhat depressed,

I was feeling somewhat “blue.”

For no particular reason, I was just feeling this way

It can happen to the best of us and it can happen to you!

Should we be surprised that this feels like the “norm?”

I mean, take a look around you

Read the paper, watch the news.

Times are getting tougher it seems this way

And then I have to go to school….but I am afraid.

I know learning was not meant to feel this way.

I gave myself a pep talk

And found that it cheered me some

Being strong despite weaknesses around me, it helped me get through the day.

So today I decided

That I would help make changes

I would be kind, considerate, and loving to all beginning today.

I gathered my books

My iPad, iPhone and supplies and placed these on my back

Then I headed out the door.

My stomach is now feeling better

As I got on my bus and sat with my peers

I looked around, I looked up, I then began staring at the floor.

When entering the school doors

I concentrated on getting to my class

And there in my classroom, my teacher was pacing the floors.

Our eyes met silently, our smiles were warm

As we greeted each other as she held open the doors.

I never realized until today

That even teachers can feel anxious and blue

So today I decided to start making my changes to start each day anew.

Let’s start a new trend

Baby steps all the way

We can make a difference if you try too.

We can build friendships

Build stronger bonds

I am feeling up to the challenge, how about you?

Jeanne Claire Probst