Tuesday, April 12, 2016

The Blindside of The Education System

I believe you can tell a lot about a person by how they respond and interact with children. I remember a story that was told to me about an uninvited little house-guest that stopped by to play with the neighbor's kids. The mom had only prepared enough for her family to eat dinner so as the time flew by the uninvited house guest sat at the table with nothing to eat until his mom picked him up.

Friends,
I know we all can relate to this story in some way or another and I'm willing to bet that the majority of you would have prepared something for that child to eat or just gave up your meal, and made something else. I know that's what I would've done. What I've realized is that most people need an emotional attachment to act in the best interest of others…MOST. But there are quite a few that are just so caring, loving and kind.

In our neighborhood we have two crossing guards who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of ALL the children who walk, or ride their bikes to school. They literally put their bodies between the kids and vehicles everyday. They break up fights, lecture little ones on their choice of conversation and provide cool refreshments on hot summer days. I know I'm grateful for them.

You see, life is full of crossing guards…our kiddos are around so many adults during the day that are suppose to protect them, guide them, correct them, encourage them and validate them. If their being bullied, or falsely accused of something…the acting crossing guard is to intervene justly. No one wears that title more than the principal of the school…Right? He or She is to justly right any wrongs. Right?

According to the principal at the time of questioning Micah: A little girl accused Micah of pulling down her pants while on the playground. I found this out as I walked up on the principal questioning him while another little boy was standing beside him. She asked Micah the same question in a different way. For example: Did you pull her pants down on accident? Was it a game? Each time Micah said, "NO!" I was extremely uncomfortable. Her tone to me…was like he was a suspect on "48 hours". She then looked at the little boy and asked him, "What did Micah do?" The little boy said, "Nothing." Yeah…at that point, I was not happy. I told her, that Micah would never touch anyone in that way. Her response was standard: If a parent calls, she has to follow up. I went into the classroom and spoke to Micah. I told him , I know he didn't do it and that he was not in trouble and that if anything like that happens again, to tell me immediately. As I was walking out, a teacher informed me that she watched the whole thing and Micah "DID NOT TOUCH the little girl". I called the school to speak to the principal. She wasn't available so I sent her an email and she responded. It's all posted below.

Here's my issue…Her response was very different than her conversation with Micah and myself. It was missing an apology to Micah. Yes...ADULTS should apologize to children. If you've ever been falsely accused of anything, you know an apology goes a long way. It was missing how Micah was punished for that unjustly. He was not allowed to play on the equipment due to the principal talking to him. Not to mention...it NEVER should have happened. I believe because it involved "My Child...according to her" she handled it the way that she did.

Friends,
I always give people the benefit of the doubt. I give people three opportunities to change how they relate to me or address me. I don't just assume the worse. If that was the case, I would've posted this and many things when they occurred. I want people to think about their actions and reflect so they can handle things better the next time. Unfortunately, it never happens.

Not only was the principal satisfied with how she handled things…when I spoke to her about it at a later time her exact words were. "How would you know? You were not there". I was so disgusted. The fact that she was content with knowing and withholding the truth caused me to shutdown and just cry. I picked Micah up early like 2-3 days because my comfort level just flew out the window.

This is the Standard Leadership in NWISD...I know a few good ones but they are the exception.

I complained to the District regarding another principal at another school, and was told that my allegations were not founded, but that they do believe the communication could've been better. That principal is no longer there. Abruptly, a retired principal was brought in to finish out the school year, and the old principal sent out a resignation letter from the school. If more families voiced their concerns things would change. The District is now in search of a NEW SUPERINTENDENT and I believe an OUTSIDE candidate will serve the district and families well. They will not hold on to "This is How We Always Done Things" They Will Establish and Execute a Standard of Education that Encompasses Character Building which is the True Goal of Education-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

I am beyond frustrated. I know that NWISD is not the only school district who has leadership and morale issues. I know we live in an unjust world and that life is not fair. However, I can not in good conscious remain silent. I can not teach my child to accept this

This one interaction has caused Micah to closely examine everything that is being said to him by other adults. I have been speaking with him more regarding what fairness looks like and feels like. He's still young so sorting out his emotions will take some time but to me elementary age are formative years for our children.
I will not raise a child to be passive and accepting of any form of injustice against himself or others. I will not have my child to believe that he's guilty because someone else said "He" was. Instead, he is being raised to take accountability for his own actions even if what follows is a consequence. He's being raised to be a True Leader.

So I went up to his school today to bring him a pair of pants because the weather did not seem like it was warming up. He shared his frustration with me about a few things and I had him examine the situation as it was and to take accountability for his actions. I told him, that it's okay if he needs to be corrected by his teacher if it's to help him do better. He thanked me for my advice regarding another situation and declined the pants. I left with a smile on my face.

I'm not sure if many adults understand this but children do have the right to hold US accountable for our Actions. We can either gain their trust or lose it.

True Leaders focus on building up children, not tearing them down.

Please pray for our schools, the districts, families and teachers who are affected by "The New Order of The Education System." Tweet this message, copy and paste it on Facebook.

Also pray for me and my son who I know is destined for greatness. Pray for Truth, Justice and Guidance in all things, not withstanding correction if I am need  of it. In Jesus Name Amen...

James 2:12
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,