it's the most wonderful time of the year...

Have you seen the recent Staples commercial for back-to-school? It highlights a parent singing, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (which is typically a Christmas song), as she purchases school supplies with which to joyfully send her children back to school. Her kids, however, are not quite so joyful!

Whether you are a parent, student or educator, your reaction may be varied as a new school year begins--anywhere from thrilled to ho-hum to bummed out. Maybe even a little of everything! But I hope that you'll make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead...

Students...that you'll apply yourselves to the great task of learning and do the best you can with what you have. Take your education seriously. It will carry you through most of your life and it will be difficult to go back and 'fix it' if you blow it now. So, keep the long view in mind!

Educators...that your job working with our children will be much more than a 'job.' You have more face-to-face time with some of the kids than their parents do and it's an awesome thought to me the wonderful and life-long impression you can make on them. I can still remember teachers I had who obviously loved the kids as much as their job!

Parents...that you'll do what it takes to help your kids learn. Sure, there are a lot of other pressures (extra-curricular, etc) that will compete for their time (and yours, too), but remember this: for most of our kids, extra-curricular activities will at most carry them through college. But...BUT...their education will carry them through the rest of the working days.

And...no matter who you are, seek help if you need it! I've learned there are a lot of great people in the Galion community who will gladly help where needed!

Well, here's to a great 2009-2010 school year. May God bless you all, no matter where you happen to fall on the spectrum.