As students across Pulaski County in my home state of Arkansas head back to school, this is a good time for each of us to remember that educating children is a community responsibility.
Our elementary, middle, and high school students are returning to classrooms ready to learn, grow, explore, and prepare for their futures. Their teachers, counselors, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, coaches, and support staff are also beginning another year of important work.
They deserve our support.
Back-to-school support can take many forms. Donate school supplies. Help a family purchase uniforms or classroom materials. Support a school food pantry. Volunteer as a tutor or mentor. Attend school programs and athletic events. Encourage teachers and staff. Support organizations that provide books, technology, transportation, health services, arts opportunities, and enrichment programs for young people.
And perhaps most importantly, encourage the students in your life.
Ask them what they are learning. Celebrate their progress. Remind them that their education matters and that their community is invested in their success.
Pulaski County is home to children from many neighborhoods, backgrounds, and circumstances, but every child deserves the same basic message when the school year begins:
We believe in you. We are proud of you. We want you to succeed. And we are here to help.
Strong schools help create healthier families, strong neighborhoods, a stronger workforce, and a stronger Pulaski County.
So as another school year begins, I encourage individuals, faith groups, fraternal organizations, businesses, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, alumni groups, and community leaders throughout Pulaski County and elsewhere to find schools, classrooms, teachers, and students to support.
A backpack matters. A book matters. A meal matters. A mentor matters. An encouraging word matters.
When students go back to school, all of us should show up.
Let’s show our young people and their schools that we are cheering for them, supporting them, and looking out for them.
One County.
One Community.
One Future.
www.griffen4pulaskicounty.org
I agree. I will be supporting my local neighborhood school. Thank you for the confirmation.
Love thy neighbor as thyself.
Yes to the yes. Nothing is of greater importance to Arkansas and its people than committed support to the education of our children.