As school has come back into session, we were reminded by CBS with a back-to-school special about being involved and revamping high schools across the country. It was a high-energy special by far, but more importantly, it reminded us all that it is important for those in the community to be involved in our schools. The students in our schools are the future of our country, and with our help, they will go on to surpass us. They can also teach us a few things along the way as well.

Whether you are involved in schools as a teacher, parent, mentor, or tutor, they all help students succeed in the long run. Their success benefits us as well, and we learn from them as they learn from us. The old saying is true that “it takes a village to raise a child”, and that child often goes on to help the village since they see the village in a positive light.

April 28th Thomas E. Ross, Superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, visited the elementary school named for famous Oyster Bay resident and our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, where he had been invited to appear as a special “mystery reader” at the school.

The students currently in schools are the future of our world, and they will help shape it. We should give them the tools we once had to succeed to help them shape this world even better. We all remember how we had parents and community members involved in our schools growing up. And for those who don’t, we know how we wished we had those tools growing up.

It makes a big difference in a student’s life having someone there as a mentor or someone to sit down with to help understand what is being taught. I also understand some of what is being taught is not the same as when some of us went to school. That should be all the more reason to get involved so that we can learn more as well as share what we know. The two should go hand in hand.

One should never stop learning, even after graduating high school or college. This is another reason why we should stay involved in schools, because more discoveries are being made and taught in our schools. You’d also be surprised how much fun some of the field trips can be. There can be enjoyment in all of it when you put your mind to it.

It is a great responsibility as we seek to aid today’s students on their journey into the future. One must undertake without delay even as we work on our current journey of securing the future for them as they seek to work towards being prepared for it. It is a lot of work for us, but well worth it for both parties.

*Tips his hat and walks out the door*