Are we ready for the start of a new school year?

The first day of school is just 35 days away. Are we ready?

Last year, I dropped my kids off and saw the grass in front of their school was knee high in some areas. I asked the principal if she minded me coming back to cut it. She didn’t so I did. I didn’t want the kids standing in grass waiting for the bus or their parents especially on day one.

When I challenge the Board of Education or the Department of Education, it’s never personal. I just want better. For all of us. One day, today’s children will be tomorrow’s caretakers. I want to know our hospitals will work, our roads will hold up, and the lights will stay on.

So here’s my challenge to you: get involved. Check on your kids’ schools now. Will the campus be clean and safe on day one? Will classrooms have what they need? Are curriculum guides ready? How will children be challenged? These things matter and we can’t wait until school starts to act. I kept this photo as a quiet reminder to act sooner.

If you don’t know where to start, ask someone. Keep asking until you find an answer. Don’t let a principal, teacher, or anyone else make you feel like you don’t belong. Join the PTA/PTO. Offer to help. Let teachers teach and let parents lead the extras.

To the parents, grandparents, guardians, and neighbors who already show up: you’re seen and appreciated. Whether you’re organizing supplies or class pictures, cutting grass, donating snacks, or simply showing up to support … thank you!

Teaching is hard work. When a teacher goes above and beyond, thank them. Let them know you see them. And remind your children to be respectful. That matters too.

They say the true measure of a society is whether we plant trees knowing we may never sit in their shade. That’s what this is really about. We may not fix everything overnight. But we can start. Together.