School Zone March 8, 2012

DEAR TEACHER: 

“My young child starts to school today… it’s all going to be strange and new for a while, I hope you will be gentle.  You see, up to now, he’s been king of the roost … he’s been boss of the backyard … his mother has always been around to repair his wounds, and has always been handy to soothe his feelings.  But now things are going to be different.

This morning my child will walk down the front steps, wave, and start out on the great adventure … it’s an adventure that might take him across continents.  It’s an adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow.  To live life in this world will require faith and love and courage.  So, I wish you would sort of take my child by the hand and teach him the things he will have to know.  Teach gently, if you can.

I know my child will have to learn that all men are not just, that all men are not true.  But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader; teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.  It will take time, I know, but teach him that a nickel earned is of far more value than a dollar found; teach him to learn to lose and to enjoy winning.

Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick; teach him, if you can, the wonder of books, but also give him quiet time to ponder the external mystery of birds in the sky and flowers on a green hill.  In school, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat; teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong; teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people. 

Try to give my child the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on the bandwagon; teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.  Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad; teach him there is no shame in tears; teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success.  Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness; teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidders but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. 

Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob; and teach him to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.  Treat him gently, but don’t coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel; let him have the courage to be impatient; let him have the patience to be brave.   Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.” 

I recently came across this inspiring letter in a book called “Winning Words of Champions” by Larry Bielat.  As Superintendent of Schools, these are the ideas that I believe our teachers need to take to heart as they lead young lives to success. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

On Thursday, February 23 radio station WGAR came to Vermilion to record several of our elementary school classes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.  The first broadcast was on March 1 featuring students in Mrs. Karlene Hollars 2^nd grade classroom.  WGAR features students reciting the Pledge every Thursday, and Mrs. Hollars contacted them to volunteer Vermilion Elementary School for the project.  We hope to have the schedule of broadcast dates for our remaining classes very soon and will post them on our website so that parents and community members can listen in. 

MEET THE COACH NIGHT

This is a reminder that the community is invited to come out to meet our new football coach, Adam Hartley, on Thursday, March 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at German’s Villa.  All Sailor football fans, players and families grades 6 to 12 are welcome. 

VHS MUSICAL “OKLAHOMA”

Spring is coming, and that means the VHS music department is finalizing rehearsals for its annual musical.  The production this year will be “Oklahoma”, a very popular musical enjoyed by many generations of theater goers.  The majority of funding for this production comes from ticket sales, and we are proud to say that Vermilion residents have overwhelmingly supported this event every year.  We welcome you to come and join our wonderfully talented group of students and staff again this year. 

“Oklahoma” will be presented March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:00 PM in the Vermilion High School auditorium.  Advance purchase tickets are $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and senior citizens.  At the door tickets will be $10.00 and $8.00.  On Friday, March 22 the VHS Track team will host a meatless spaghetti dinner prior to the performance from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.  Tickets for dinner only are $7.00 each, but your dinner will be discounted to $6.00 if you also purchase a ticket to the musical, making this a very inexpensive evening of family entertainment!

Tickets are available at Vermilion High School on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM or Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.  For more information about tickets and group sales call 440-396-7149.