Could Racine's Public Schools be a Viable Option?

Perceptions can be very misleading, especially when you have limited information. I went out this week and visited three public schools, Starbuck, Gilmore, and McKinley. Equipped with my perceptions and the WKCE test results, I went to the schools prepared for the unexpected.

Recall if you can the scene from “Lean on Me” with Morgan Freeman where he walks into Eastside High school and no one is in class. The hallways are loud, rowdy, and full of mayhem. This is what I expected to see when touring Racine’s middle schools. I am not sure why I thought it, but I did.

So as me and some other parents from Gifford toured the schools, I was impressed, the halls were quiet. We saw some really committed teachers. The kids had many opportunities and extra curricular activities. They seemed to have programs that allowed the teachers to focus on teaching children with a variety of strengths. There were positive elements to see. One thing I had to consider, if my opinion of the schools were so low how could they not easily exceed my expectation.

The problem still lies in the fact that my son has an individual education plan (IEP) that addresses his special needs. Because of his IEP, private schools do not have to give him the support he needs and charter schools are dependent on lucky draws.  I think if I am active in my son’s life and stay connected to whatever school he goes to, then that public school might be worth a try. The only reservations I have now are due to any changes that may occur in the school over the next year. The other moms and I agree that public school may be a real option, as opposed to discrediting the school without any personal experience.

Another eye-opening situation developed. As we were visiting schools, I never realized that while I have my preconceived notions, other people have perceptions about me because my child goes to Gifford. I mean lets face it, the school is a rural school, bursting with pride. Perceptions are dangerous and they can cause you to view an issue with contempt prior to investigation. I don’t know what is right for every child, but I will suggest this if the thought of a public school or a private school makes you fill up with contempt, then go visit one. You may just be surprised with what you find.