Just My Opinion - by Mary Kilen
School Is Just Around The Corner
As I sit at my desk on Monday, I just finished putting the Back to School page together. Meanwhile I’m thinking to myself, “How is that possible? Where did summer go?”
Schools around the area are kicking off their new year. Schools in New Town, Parshall and North Shore/Plaza are already getting underway this week. Stanley schools open next Wednesday, Aug. 21. It is hard to believe that is happening already, because I swear summer just started yesterday.
That being said, I’m going to share a couple of things I’ve found on Facebook. I shared these a couple of years ago, but I feel like they are worth sharing again.
“Tonight a teacher somewhere in your neighborhood is getting ready for your child’s new school year, writing lesson plans or writing your child’s name in their grade book. In the minute it takes you to read this, teachers all over the world are using their “free time” and often investing their own time and money for your child’s literacy, prosperity, and future.”
For my teacher friends, be glad you didn’t have this contract circulating on Facebook that is listed as a contract from 1923:
“This agreement between Miss (fill in the blank) teacher, and the Board of Education of the (fill in the blank) School, whereby Miss (fill in the blank) agrees to teach in the (fill in the blank) School for a period of eight months, beginning September 1, 1923. The Board of Education agrees to pay the sum of $75 per month. The teacher then agrees to the following stipulations:
Not to get married. This contract becomes null and void immediately if the teacher marries.
Not to keep company with men.
To be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless she is in attendance at a school related function.
Not to loiter downtown in ice cream parlors.
Not to leave town at any time without the permission of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Not to smoke cigarettes. This contract becomes null and void immediately if the teacher is found smoking.
Not to drink beer, whiskey or wine. This contract becomes null and void immediately if the teacher is found drinking beer, whiskey and/or wine.
Not to ride in a carriage/automobile with any man except her brother or father.
Not to wear bright colours.
To wear at least two petticoats.
Not to dye her hair or wear makeup of any kind.
Not to wear a dress more than two inches above the heel.
To keep the schoolhouse clean; to sweep the classroom floor at least once daily; to scrub the floor once weekly with hot water and soap; to clean the blackboards at least once daily.
The fire shall be started at 7 a.m. in order to warm up the room for 8 a.m. when the children arrive; to carry out the ashes at least once daily.”
Dealing With The Grief
It is another tough time in our small community as the entire community mourns the passing of a 14-year-old boy. Jacob Hynek fought his battle with cancer with a grace that many of us could learn from. It hit home pretty hard for us, but I cannot imagine what it is like for his family and friends who knew him so much more than I.
I saw this one on Facebook this week and I’ve actually seen it several times. This one really speaks to me today.
Every minute someone leaves this world behind. Age has nothing to do with it.
We are all in “the line” without knowing it.
We never know how many people are before us.
We cannot move to the back of the line.
We cannot step out of the line.
We cannot avoid the line.
So while we wait in line:
Make moments count.
Make priorities.
Make the time.
Make your gifts known.
Make a nobody feel like a somebody.
Make your voice heard.
Make the small things big.
Make someone smile.
Make the change.
Make love.
Make up.
Make peace.
Make sure to tell your people they are loved.
Make sure to have no regrets.
Make sure you are ready…
- Marianne Baum