Whether we’re talking about the reconfiguration debate at the elementary school or the rumoured problems at the high school, it seems there’s a need now, more than ever, for parents to get involved with their kids. For a while now we’ve been hearing about the "drug problems at the high school." The drug problem isn’t in the school, it is in the community. It’s like saying there’s a drug problem at the IGA because the kids who go there to buy potato chips might be stoned. Staff at the school are paid to teach youth about the proper usage of its and it’s and, if there’s a little time left over, the good ones will offer some moral guidance. The rest is up to the parents ― if there’s a drug problem at school, and that includes alcohol, it started at home. If nothing else, the negative attention the school is getting has brought to light the fact that there is a drug and alcohol problem here. Period. There are other problems at the school too and they all point to an increasing failure to present kids with positive role models. I’ve been to Parent Advisory Committee meetings attended by four parents from a school of almost 200 students. It’s important not to jump to hysterics ― a couple of troubled twits shouldn’t tarnish the whole school’s reputation. But it is time to get involved. During the recent reconfiguration debate, a handful of parents faced down a ludicrous proposal: The school district suggested that we ship Grades 4 to 6 up to the high school, build a new playground and house them in portables while maintaining a skeleton administration at the elementary school. Whether it would have saved money is debatable. Whether the elementary school is of intrinsic importance to the community is not. I’ve maintained from the start that the discussion should not be limited to parents of elementary school students. The school board likely didn’t consider the effect such a change would have on local businesses. I wonder how much shopping takes place by parents during pick-ups and drop-offs. And would it not be just plain eerie to have the playground silent and empty at lunch and recess through the school year? I’d say 40 parents of students from both schools showed up to the first information meeting, curious to hear what plans were in store for the Madeira Park Elementary School. The second meeting saw that number drop by half while there was every indication that this restructuring would take place next year. The proposal was finally struck down after a core group of parents encouraged others to write in opposition. It worked. Parents are in the best position to protect our local schools as well as representing the concerns of the voiceless majority without school age children to the school district. So parents, take a more active role ― your kids and the community need your help.
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