School bells are ringing in Blythewood, Fairfield County, and the entire state. This is the time for fresh starts, new approaches, and investing in children.
It is also the time when district offices reveal the theme of the year. Remember this one? FAILURE IS NOT an OPTION.
Yes it is. Try entering a classroom unprepared, students and educators. Wishing on a star; sending up prayers of desperation the morning of a big test, students ; refusing to work cooperatively with colleagues, educators; and making excuses as to why the entire school year passed, parents, without your child’s teacher ever getting to meet you at a school event, excluding a sports related activity. The success of a child requires an investment of time and resources.
At my church, Journey United Methodist, 1151 Longreen Parkway, (across the street from Longleaf Middle School) we hosted two days of Back-to-School events for children and their parents.
Registration began at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26; then, from noon to 2 thechildren were invited to join us for food, fun, and workshops, followed by the distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies.
On Sunday morning, Aug. 27 at the 9 and 11 a.m., my pastor, Dr. George A. Ashford, prayed with the students and educators and lead a service wherein the backpacks and their contents were blessed.
I love this service because hundreds of people unite to ensure that children, youth, young adults, and adults understand that they have an extended family willing to encourage and support them as they strive for academic excellence.
In conclusion, let no obstacle stand in the way of supporting our schools by investing in their most precious commodity, the students.