The Neatly Folded Map

The other day a friend of mine was speaking about her father.  As she told about all of the enjoyable times she spent with him, she mentioned that when they went on trips, he often explored interesting ways of getting to their destination.  She happily talked about a trip to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.  She laughed as she told about arriving in Beaver Falls and discovering that there were no actual falls.  She continued to explain that the trip was a huge success and her dad was ecstatic when they learned that one of the famous people who grew up in Beaver Falls was Joe Namath, legendary Hall of Fame quarterback for the New York Jets.  This revelation pleased her dad immensely because he was a big football fan.  My friend finished her discussion about their random trips by saying that there is more to discovering the world than a neatly folded map on the seat of the car. 

As I listened to her speak I thought about the impact we make on our children even when we do not expect our actions to make a lasting impression.  At the schools in the Columbia District, we work on being intentional regarding our students’ learning opportunities.  Teachers develop plans which include activities designed to enhance student achievement.  Sometimes, just like my friend’s father, our terrific teachers use detours and “teachable moments” to allow random events to become learning filled occasions.   The other day I ventured into a first grade classroom where a visiting spider had given the teacher an opportunity to help the students learn a bit about the rather large arachnid. 

 Increasingly, teachers are integrating technology into their learning activities in their classroom.  Just like my friend’s father developed exciting opportunities for his children during his side trips, our teachers engage their learners by unfolding their lesson by intentionally using technology to boost student interest and understanding.  The teachers are coming up with creative ideas to improve student achievement and to increase the capability of students to be successful problem solvers.  We are empowering our teachers to work with students to harness technology to gather information and to communicate efficiently and effectively.  Our teachers, using best practices, are striving to increase literacy and integration of technology while incorporating digital and blended learning activities into the educational environment in their classrooms. 

As a member of the Columbia School District community you may support the teachers’ intentional focus on enhancing the students’ achievement by encouraging your child or grandchild to fully complete their school projects or assignments.  You may encourage your child to take the next step and learn more about topics they are covering in school by conducting web-quests.  You may also support our wonderful teachers by engaging in positive verbal support as you speak with others in the community.  Your enthusiasm for learning at Columbia Schools may also include volunteering to serve on a committee or read a book to a child or cheer our sports teams on to victory.   As we work together side-by-side leading the children of the community to become lifelong learners, we must remember that similarly to my friend’s father and the long-lasting impression his trips made on his daughter, our support of education will have an enduring effect on our children!

If you have questions about how you may partner with the Columbia School District or to register your child for school, please email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call me at 517.592.6641.