A Salute to Parents
November 24, 2008
I would like to take the opportunity this time to send out a “Salute to all Parents”. Many times we take the time to thank and honor our students and faculty and seem to forget the role that the parents play in the educational process. Obviously, without parents there would be no students and therefore no school.
The parents wear many hats when it comes to the raising of a child. First and foremost is the primary care giver. Parents are responsible to see that the children are housed, clothed and fed, basically given the necessities to live. This is very evident when the children are very young, but this thought seems to get lost as the children become young adults. Sadly, these responsibilities continue. For instance, how about when the young adult comes home with just a few minutes to eat prior to leaving for an activity or when they come rushing home and need a uniform cleaned right away for the evening game? This may have never happened to you, but I can assure you, it has happened at the Joonas household.
The cleaning of uniforms can become an art form. We, the parents, become experts at cleaning uniforms and getting the “stuff” ready for the next competition. Those of us that are lucky enough to have junior high and high school participants at the same time get to do this ritual up to four times a week and on rare occasions five.
Another aspect of parenting is that of homework monitor. This is another honor bestowed upon us that requires tact and sometimes threats. Students, at least the ones in my home, seem to love to procrastinate. Then we get to crack the whip to see that all assignments are done and hopefully get to their respective teachers.
How about being the “keeper of the alarm clock”? It seems that it is up to us to see that they get to their required destinations on time and ready to go. Is it really that hard to set an alarm clock and get up on your own? The students can do anything with technology, but can’t seem to run a simple alarm clock.
Party monitors, class sponsors, dance sponsors, cooking for potlucks, and many other responsibilities come to mind when thinking of being a true parent. I know that I am leaving some out, but I think that everyone gets the picture.
We have mentioned on numerous occasions how great the students are in our district. They have competed well, handled themselves well, and represented the communities in fine fashion. This comes from being raised right. They have been brought up with values, work ethic, and a concept of truly how to treat people. This is directly attributable to the parents and grandparents.
I want to take the time to “Salute the Parents” of our district. I want to include all parents, past and present. Each of you are doing the best you can and continue to send your children and young adults to us for their education. You are doing a tremendous job and I want to thank you for EVERYTHING that you do for your children and for the school. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and we are truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve these communities. Thank you so much for all that you do and take the time to thank the parents that raised you, they did a wonderful job as well.
