School Open House Makes Parents Proud

Last night was our kids' school Open House night.  A rite of passage for Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay parents that marks another year in their kids' education.  The turn out is always good and the conversation was lively among parents.

At the beginning of the night, you meet in the cafeteria/theater/mobile army hospital (remember when each one of these rooms were separate?).  You get to hear about the PTA, after-school programs and other school-related activities, all the while munching down on pizza and baked-goods that puts money intot he school coffers.  Of course, our Palmetto Bay police officers were also there to talk about the DARE and Officer Friendly programs (nice to see you again Officer Pete Judge [from our Neighborhood Watch program]).

Next, it is off to individual classrooms, where you cram yourself into your kid's desk chair and hear about the curriculum for your child.  Sure, the teachers spoke too long and the closed circuit video feed was a bore, but that happens every year.  What was refreshing this year was the notion that although the school board tries to implement the latest and greatest for our childrens' education, the teachers realize that the world is moving even faster.  They are individually trying to incorporate social and work skills that will prepare them for the work force even down at the 3rd grade level.

Three teacher speeches focused on the fact that we are all so digital now, that no one knows what education is the right education for kids.  They say that the basics will always be taught, but experimentation and initiative on the teachers' part is critical to ultimate success.  I totally agree and applaud their efforts...

Finally, a little Daddy pride moment.  This is from my son.  It was an assignment to talk about his hero.  He needed to draw the person and write why they were a hero.  Other kids wrote about athletes, firemen, etc.  Here's what my kids did...