Warner Update
Making a difference, one person at a time
The Opportunity of a New Year
It was the Summer of 1986. Life was pretty good! I would often imagine myself to be Jack Nicklaus after his historic Masters win. I was listening to The Bangles and "Walk Like an Egyptian", and I'd occasionally ride my bike down our dirt road pretending to be Greg LeMond in the Tour de France. I was a jovial, energetic boy that loved being active.
Additionally, I didn't have many close neighbors so I actually looked forward to school. I enjoyed seeing my friends.
As the school year neared I remember wondering who my teacher was going to be and if I would have any of my friends in class. Funny thing was, my brain was more focused on my teacher than my friends. I knew that I was good at making new friends, but I wasn't always sure that I was a good student.
Just before school was about to begin my parents received a school newsletter that gave information on the Open House, first day, bus information and classroom assignments. I remember feeling excited and optimistic! I heard my mom tell me that my teacher would be Mrs. Cherava. At first I was perplexed. Hmmm, was she the mean one at the end of the hall? Was she the one that always dressed nice and stood by the drinking fountain? Was she the lady with short hair that never seemed to smile? I'll be honest, I wasn't sure who Mrs. Cherava was when my parents read that letter. However, I think my parents knew. I could feel a sense of apprehension in the room. Yet, they didn't voice it. In front of me they were ALWAYS positive about ALL teachers. They encouraged me that it was going to be a great year.
A few days later we attended the Open House. I remember walking into Mrs. Cherava's room and just trying to take it all in. What did the room look like? What other kids were in here? Where do I sit? Who sits by me?
And then I met Mrs. Cherava.
I was immediately uncomfortable. Mrs. Cherava was difficult to understand and she appeared to have a major disability. When she shook my hand hers was contorted different than mine. When she spoke I couldn't really understand her. When she moved about the room she carried herself with a bit of a limp and drag motion. The nine year old me was dumbfounded. I still remember sitting in the car and asking my parents what was wrong with Mrs. Cherava. My parents from a young age taught me politeness and the golden rule, but they also wanted to help me understand. However, I don't think they really understood either. It was shared that some people thought she had mental retardation. It was shared that some thought she had a stroke. But those answers didn't matter. The message I received from my parents was to treat her with respect and to be kind. Under the surface my parents may have been concerned, but other than their body language I really didn't know it.
That year I learned more about people than I ever did before. Standing in the boys bathroom and overhearing boys mock Mrs. Cherava I quickly began to understand how cruel people can be. It wasn't as safe and secure as I grew up believing. But you know something amazing happened. Something beautiful. By the time conferences rolled around I participated in my conferences and helped my parents understand what Mrs. Cherava was sharing. Towards the end of the year when another student mocked Mrs. Cherava I, or one of my classmates would jump in with a, "that's not nice" or "you're rude" comment. (For nine year olds that's a big deal.)
As my year with Mrs. Cherava concluded I (being the typical boy) was excited for summer! I couldn't wait to golf, ride my bike, play at the lake or watch that new movie I heard about...Harry and the Henderson's.
As I reflect years later I have a better understanding of my 3rd grade experience. I really cared about Mrs. Cherava. In fact I couldn't name every single one of my teachers, but I do know that I'll never forget her. I learned about communication. I learned understanding and compassion. I learned about looking past the surface of a person. But most of all I learned about others. I'm extremely fortunate that my parents did three things:
- My parents were positive! They taught me respect and the correct way to treat teachers and adults.
- My parents didn't make request. They had faith, trust and confidence in the school and teachers.
- If my parents had concerns it took a detective to figure it out. They never shared their adult concerns with me. What they shared with me was optimism, hope and positivity.
I'm a believer that our lives are filled with opportunities. We get to choose our attitude. I miss the days that the message was trust, belief and optimism.
As our school year approaches you will hear and see many things.
As a parent myself, I know that I must be optimistic and positive in the message I convey to my own kids. My hope is that all parents will see every year as an opportunity.
Warner Upcoming Events:
August 11th - Movie in the Park Night with our Warner PTO selling snacks
August 14th - Classes posted at 3pm
August 14th - Back-2-School Bash at All Skate 6:30-8:30pm
August 21st - Warner Back To School Night
- 4:30 - 5:30 for Young 5's, Kindergarten and 1st grade students and families
- Brief orientation in the cafeteria from 4:30-4:40 for all new families
- 5pm - 6pm pizza dinner served in our Warner gym
- Dinner is free for individuals 18 and under, cost is $2 for adults
- 5:30 - 6:30 for 2nd through 5th grade students and families
August 22nd: First day of school! School starts at 8:30am and dismissal at 3:30pm