Eric Reece
In just a few weeks, Graham County Schools will be starting back.
In many rural communities, the local school is both the pride of the community and the institution that binds us together.
We may not agree on religion or politics, but we all can agree on supporting our Black Knights.
In old journals of circuit-riding preachers, I read how they would come to a community and use the one-room schoolhouse to hold services. Some buildings would serve as both church and school.
Some years ago, a statewide initiative called Congregations For Children was started to encourage faith communities and church members to provide support to the local public schools. This was seen as a win-win situation. Churches have resources (members), and public schools have children and youth they are working hard to educate and prepare for the future.
What are the ways in which we can support our local schools? I saw where a church had a prayer board in the entrance way with names of school staff, administrators, teachers and resource officers, and a reminder to pray for them. Throughout the school year, they sent gifts and treats to the school for them.
Another way is to volunteer your time. Schools can use reading buddies to help elementary children increase their reading skills. They read to you and you read to them. If you enjoy a subject, tutoring is a great way to help children succeed.
There are other ways to help. You can be a lunch buddy and sit with the children during lunch and give the teachers some time. Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks volunteers to serve as a good role model to a child. Time and time again, a person tells the reason they made it was they had an adult that cared for them, had a positive influence and lasting effect on their life. You can ask for a volunteer application at the school.
Our local school has a number of ways to support students. You can donate school supplies – not just at the start of school, but throughout the year. I remember receiving a call from my child’s teacher asking if I could donate a pack of copy paper. The budget was gone, the paper was out and there were still months to go before summer.
Snacks are a great gift to donate to the school. If a child comes in late after breakfast – or is having a growth spurt, where they are hungry all the time – a Pop Tart or granola bar can tide them over.
Caregivers is a wonderful program we have in our local schools. This is the program that helps out with a variety of needs a student may have. Donations are always welcomed and help take care of emergencies in time of need without having to scramble like Fran Tarkenton for funds.
I believe children have a right to the best education that can be provided and parents, the community, churches and government can work together to “Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV).
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached by email, ereece@wnccumc.net.