When my eldest daughter was 13 years old, COVID-19 shut our world down. I was teaching middle school ELA from my laptop in the dining room, and she was taking classes in her bedroom. We were in such close proximity, but still, something terrible happened at "school."
One of the teachers was making comments about the students' bodies, asking them about their underwear, and even told some of the girls to call him "daddy." My daughter emailed the vice principal and her guidance counselor for help. At that time, we had a secret journal in which we communicated big news, and she decided to use the journal to let me know what happened. When I read it, I asked what responses she got from the school administrators. The vice principal wrote back, promising to "talk to him." That was the extent of the help she received. They never reached out to me, and the teacher remained employed. Eventually, I took matters into my own hands and ensured he was fired. Still, the glaring issue that stayed with me was the absence of communication between me and the administrators I trusted.
I saw this repeated throughout my decade as a teacher and 17 years as a parent. School has often felt like a total institution where parents are kept out of the loop. It is among the many reasons I left traditional schools in favor of alternative schooling. As a teacher, I knew the relationship between parents and school officials should be open and close-knit. Like a strong marriage, a secure relationship built on respect and openness between all adults coming together to raise our children will benefit them.
Lucas Literacy Lab is the manifestation of my dreams for a better way. We are a microschool that supports families, honors freedom, and champions creativity. We actively seek feedback from parents, welcoming their ideas and suggestions for enhancing our programs. We know that the success of our students and our school community is a shared responsibility, and our parents deserve to be involved in decision-making processes. Together, we can empower our children to excel academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them to face challenges confidently.
Join us for a round table chat to discuss our pedagogical approach and share stories and aspirations for an educational experience worthy of our children.
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