Now that the 2022-23 school year is off to a start, we have witnessed the return of many long-held and cherished school traditions, such as homecoming, fall carnivals, concerts, and open houses. I’ve had many people say to me, “you must be happy to have everything back to normal in schools.” Yes, I am happy to be able to see children and staff smile, and I enjoy being able to visit classrooms where students can work together on projects without having to be socially distanced. However, our schools are still not back to “normal.”

Now, schools are facing new challenges, like staff shortages, school security concerns, and a lack of mental health staff. These new challenges require patience because they are not easily solved; patience for children, for teachers, administrators, and school staff who all care about children and want them to be safe and successful.

Parents, your kids, in all likelihood, are going to graduate from preschool, middle school, and high school. They need your support through their educational journey. Being a child in 2022 is much different than it was when we were children. Take time to be engaged in what your child is doing. Listen to them. Don’t just ask them how their day was; ask them to tell you something interesting or exciting about their day. Read with them and to them and have them do the same with you.

This is also a time for us to practice patience with teachers. The average teacher has 20 to 30 students or more in their classroom at any given time. Some of these children have arrived at school without breakfast, proper clothing for the season, or enough sleep. For the teachers and staff who work with students in our schools each day and for the bus drivers who safely transport students to and from school, the work they do is more than just a job. It’s a calling. They do it to give our children a bright future. So, do what you can to make their important jobs a little easier by giving them a lot of respect.

Your neighborhood school needs your time! There is a shortage of teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff in our schools. School districts are raising wages to the extent they can to attract applicants, but filling vacancies is a challenge. If you are able as a parent, as a grandparent, a community member, or as a retiree, consider applying for one of the many open jobs or even giving your time as a volunteer. You are most definitely needed!

Finally, this is also a time to practice care and patience with information. Be cautious about what you hear regarding your local schools before you jump to conclusions about what is being taught or policies that are being enacted. Information is easily distorted or misunderstood and can quickly be spread with consequences that are disruptive to the educational process and potentially damaging to your local school. Please take time to verify the information you receive with a trusted source and with your local school superintendent.

It is our collective responsibility to provide the best possible education for our children. I hope you will find a way to help your local school district by being a volunteer, by applying for a job, or by finding some other way your time and talent can be used to support education in your community.

Alan Tulppo is the Superintendent of the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District. He holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Supervision and Administration from Northern Michigan University and can be contacted at atulppo@goisd.org or 906-575-3438.