Yesterday I was Principal for the Day at Haskell Academy. And I have never felt so useless. I was waiting for the opportunity to talk to a kid about why it’s not appropriate to jump on her desk. Or to be able to have a discussion with a fuming parent about a situation as he waits for the principal.
Do you know what I found instead? Peace. Everything was under control. There were no fights, no rowdy behavior, and no yelling (by children or teachers). Principal Loree Leathers was gracious to take her time to show me the music teacher leading the class through a song – they were taught about accompaniment and then given the opportunity to sing and play instruments while she accompanied on the keyboard. They were second graders. Then I got to see the fifth graders warm up for gym class. The teacher projected a popular dance song on the wall and in between the dancing chorus the kids enjoyed lunges, jumping jacks and push-ups. Wow.
I’m not trying to describe school utopia. A few kids did struggle to focus and there were behavioral problems. But they were handled. With grace. And care. And action plans. It’s a very intentional learning environment where students are respected and given the best opportunity at an education – with some love mixed in.
The best part was seeing our Apples for Education program at work. The school cannot hand out breakfast after the bell even for students who are late, or make it in the nick of time for class, and are hungry. Our church provides a bushel of apples at a time (see Roger Greenlaw to volunteer or donate). I passed out 12 apples just yesterday. The kids were grateful, and I knew they were set up to succeed.
I am even more grateful for our partnership with Haskell Academy. Stay tuned for another boot drive. The kids have grown from last year!
Peace,
Rebecca