A Different Perspective
I’ve had the honor and privilege to be involved with the Phase 3 Building Facilities Committee. I have seen many dedicated community members take time out of their busy schedules to participate in the process of identifying the best possible ways to move forward with the completion of the rebuilding of our schools. The City of Lakewood is so very fortunate to have so many citizens who care enough to be involved in the process.
One of the aspects of this process that I’m not sure has been discussed enough is the idea that these decisions impact the entire community. It isn’t simply about the families that live near Roosevelt, Lincoln, and Grant. It isn’t merely about those children who do attend and will attend those schools. Whatever decision is finally made, all of the public school children will be impacted; all of the citizens and families will be affected. There are, not doubt, many adults who feel a tremendous commitment to the school their children attend. And while I can understand those sentiments, I’d like to offer a different perspective – the perspective of a child.
When I was growing up we moved a lot. As a matter of fact, we moved every year until I entered the sixth grade. We moved around the country and within school districts. I’d like to share with you part of that experience. When I was entering third grade we moved to Birmingham Michigan. I attended Bloomfield Elementary School for third grade. The summer after third grade we moved across the busy street (Maple Road) where I attended 4th and 5th grade at Westchester Elementary School. The summer before 6th grade we moved again and I attended Quarton Elementary School for 6th grade.
When I went to Junior High School in 7th grade I knew kids from ¾ of the class. For me it was the best position to be in. I already knew just about everyone! So, when I look at the redistricting and changes that will occur over the next couple of years, I find it difficult to worry too much about how the kids will handle the changes. Children are resilient by nature. They make friends rather easily. And, with just two middle schools and one high school, they will all be together at some point. I think we may do them a disservice when we pigeonhole them to one elementary experience.
All of Lakewood schools are excellent and offer our children a great experience. We owe it to our children to emphasis the positive parts of change. Just think about the lessons we can teach them over the next couple of years. Lessons that will stay with them throughout their lives. As a parent I sometimes marvel at how my mother managed to pick up and move every year. Especially since I never experienced any negatives from it. We just handled it – I believe because my parents did. I never thought much of it. It was the experience I knew so I didn’t have anything to compare it to. I share this experience with you for this reason – no matter what decision is finally made regarding the three remaining elementary schools, it will be the one that is best for Lakewood as a whole.
When we focus on the positive we will help our children experience the change well. And as a child who had some experience with this kind of thing, I can assure you that it’s not so bad. Actually, it worked pretty well and I believe I was, and am, better for the experience.