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You hear that all the time, so let's jump straight into the fire and assume this: That "somebody" is me and you.
But what is the "something?" What can you and I do?
A year ago, I shared here the "tools for teachers" that the Beaufort County Teacher Forum suggested. The forum is made up of teachers-of-the-year in all public schools countywide, and the tools they asked for represented input from 28 local schools.
They suggested fairer state school funding formulas, smaller class sizes, mandatory parenting classes for the guardians of troublesome students, pre-kindergarten programs for all students, a $2,000 stipend for experienced teachers who mentor new teachers, better alternative programs for disruptive students and much more.
That's a great list, but, face it, there's not much on there that citizens can personally accomplish. I can't change the funding formula. I can't serve as a parent to a child who, for all practical purposes, has no parents.
Still, that hasn't stopped our community from trying to help. Many people volunteer in the schools. They are mentors, readers, go-fers, fundraisers, tutors and boosters. Also, businesses and civic clubs partner with the schools and offer perks to teachers. Palmetto Electric's Bright Ideas grants help teachers do special things.
But there's still a problem. Not everyone can do that.
Now, at long last, we have an organized program that enables us all to do something specific to improve our schools. It started this school year. It has gotten a positive response, but if I were giving the community a grade on it, I'd say we'd be lucky to get a C. We must do much better.
It's called Project Connect. It connects each of us to specific needs in our classrooms. It offers a quick and easy way for every man, woman, child, church, civic group, golf club and business to do something to help our teachers.
You don't have to make a time commitment. You don't have to serve on a committee. You don't have to have a vision statement. You don't have to recruit others. You don't even have to get emotionally involved.
All you have to do is look at a list of things teachers say will improve their classrooms, pick something and send it in.
For Erica Freeman, who runs the science laboratory at M.C. Riley Elementary School in Bluffton, an aquarium was the "extra" she wished for. Hilton Head Regional Medical Center provided it. It's only 10 gallons of water, but it's a universe for thirsty young minds.
J.C. Best needed a rug for her children to sit on during reading. Louis Sterling Floorcovering sent it. Jenna Thomas received a laminator. A sound system was provided for Hilton Head Island International Baccalaureate Elementary School.
Project Connect is a team effort between the schools and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, whose members have a vested interest in a well-educated work force.
The wish list is printed every Monday on the Packet's "Classnotes" page. If that doesn't work for you, call me and I'll mail it to you.
This is something we can do.
