My grandfather finished the eighth grade before being pulled out of school to help on the farm.
Despite ― or possibly as a result of ― his limited education, his goal was to see his children graduate high school and continue to college. Education, in his experience, ignited ideas, provided opportunities, and enabled impact. In that incubator of thought, my mom became a high school English teacher and inspired in me a respect and love for learning.
As a long-time higher education professional and mom to four boys in District 742 (one graduated earlier this year), I know intimately the value of a strong and engaged school system.
The learning environment impacts our kids’ growth and development long after they leave our schools and serves as the foundation to personal, professional and civic success. Our schools must be a place in which students feel safe and are both challenged and supported in thinking critically and globally across the curriculum. They also need to build employment and life skills beginning in pre-K and extending through graduation.
The educational environment is different today than it was even three years ago (pre-COVID) and is certainly different than 20, 30 or 40 years ago. As we navigate our changing communities and society, our central focus must always be student success.
The reality in any diverse and engaged classroom of students is that there are different backgrounds, values and experiences.
The reality is even more true in St. Cloud classrooms. Teachers and administrators need to be empowered to provide multiple forms of instruction to support each child’s success and at the same time deliver intentional, research-based, challenging and truthful curriculum. We must also continue to invite parents and guardians to the table and engage respectfully and honestly about our educational partnership.
The old phrase “readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmatic” may sound outdated in today’s world of technology and artificial intelligence, but for our students to work through higher-level ideas and skills, they must have a strong background in the basics. This was true before COVID, and as reading and math scores fell nationwide during the pandemic, it is even more important to regroup and recover. For some it may be as simple as making sure time is spent improving skills. For others, such as those who had little or no support during COVID or who are English language learners, it may involve a more comprehensive and longer solution. In any case, it is important enough to attend to.
Today our young people have access to more information in their pocket (literally) than at any other time in history. But it is only through the development of high-level learning, thinking, and reflection skills that access to knowledge becomes wisdom. Stimulating and demanding classrooms mean that our students will be academically prepared for life and the opportunities and challenges they will face.
In addition, schools must be an arena for functioning in the world.
We are fortunate here in St. Cloud that our students operate daily in a diverse community that mirrors the global society. They may see cultural differences, but more often, they see the similarities of the human experience. They can participate in activities where they can shine and lead as well as in activities where they must work hard to get off the bench.
Some of them may find themselves on the front of a play bill while others build the set that creates the magic for the stars. Some may speak, dance or make music; all learn what it is to be an individual as well as be part of the entire show. They can develop empathy, trust, and tenacity while learning the rules of sports, organizations and life. We need to continue to foster this kind of unity as it is essential to everyone’s future.
The primary responsibility of public schools is twofold: to prepare students for life through the development of academic skills, critical thinking and social and cultural awareness; and to enhance communities by supporting and graduating an educated and engaged student population.
School board service is not about personal or political agendas. It is about advocating for our students, our schools and our community, and ensuring accountability to those same populations. The work is not easy, nor is the path always clear, but we owe it to our kids and our collective future to sustain a strong District 742.
― Heather Weems is the National Collegiate Hockey Conference commissioner and a candidate for St. Cloud Area Schools District 742 School Board.
