Here are some ways to educate yourself:
My first recommendation is to talk to your child’s teacher(s). I have volunteered in my childrens' classrooms for almost 20 years, and have been able to foster wonderful relationships with their teachers. I loved being in the same environment as my children, and knowing their friends and routines. I recognize that being the classroom mom may not an option for everyone, but I would highly suggest volunteering as you are able! Maybe it’s preparing something at home for a lesson or activity. Maybe it’s helping with some paperwork after hours. Whatever your schedule, there are always opportunities to help our teachers!
As an added bonus, you’ll be able to see first-hand what is happening in your child’s classroom and school. This knowledge is vital to knowing how best to support your child!
My second recommendation is to get involved in your community. There is so much information available, and so many sides to every issue. Educate yourself by attending events, do your own research, find the facts. There are many opportunities happening this week that I want to make you aware of. They each touch on important issues in education, and will help you to become more informed!
The first one is tonight, September 26, at 9:00 pm on Facebook. It's a zoom meeting, so you can watch in your pjs! Register here to get a reminder email.
The next one is tomorrow, Tuesday,Sept 27, at the Kaysville Library at 6:30 PM. All the candidates for the Davis School District have been invited. Come meet your representative and learn how they are planning to protect our children!
Next is a Town Hall meeting in South Jordan next Monday, October 3rd. This is a great event to learn what is happening on the Sensitive Materials policy, and what our next steps should be. All the districts have their policies in place, but are the policies actually helping?
Finally, a survey about a survey. Last June, the USBE withdrew it's support of the SHARP (Student Health and Risk Prevention) survey. Many of the board members, including our own representative Laura Belnap, have serious concerns about the leading nature of the questions and the effectiveness of the responses. You can read a sample SHARP survey here, and take the survey stating your concerns here. Personally, I have opted my children out of taking this survey and I do not believe any good comes from the results. I DO believe that we need to share our thoughts and concerns and let our priorities be heard. Feedback will be accepted until next Sunday, October 2.