From the Desk of the Superintendent

What Does It Mean to Be a Parent in a Learning CommUNITY?

This year, Baldwin-Whitehall is celebrating the theme of “A Learning CommUNITY” by highlighting the many different ways that everyone in our community contributes to our children’s education.

I believe that parents understand this concept better than anyone. That’s because the moment you become a parent, you also become your child’s very first teacher. From infancy through adulthood, your children are constantly learning from your example. They pay attention not only to what you say and do, but also to how you do it, and why. This makes parents the most influential educators in their children’s lives, with a lasting impact that resonates far beyond their school-age years.

We must also recognize that CommUNITY works both ways: Today’s children are tomorrow’s decision-makers, employers, educators, and community leaders. The ideas that our children explore today, and the challenges that they become passionate about solving, will influence their course in life and affect the future of our larger CommUNITY for generations to come.

Because of this, it is vital that we as parents acknowledge our responsibility to set good examples for our kids and to ensure that they have access to the tools and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and think for themselves.

As parents in a learning CommUNITY, I hope that we will each continue working to develop crucial skills like clear communication, creative problem-solving, and enthusiastic collaboration that enable everyone to contribute in their own way. These are important skills that we can all practice in small ways each day.

For example, next time you need to make a decision about something that affects the whole family, like resolving a scheduling conflict or choosing a vacation destination, try holding a family meeting where everyone is invited to share their thoughts and feelings, including the kids. Give them opportunities to ask questions and make suggestions. Explain the reasons behind your own perspective, and let them know that their feedback matters. Being part of a collaborative decision-making process is a great way to help our kids learn the skills that will make them better learners, more compassionate listeners, and more effective CommUNITY members in the future.

Learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. For parents, it’s a lifelong commitment to teaching as we go. By consciously modeling the kind of behavior that we want to see more of in the world, we can help build a truly supportive learning CommUNITY that gives our children the best opportunity for future success.