Exceptional staff need modern school

For the last two years we have been working to find a way to build a new elementary school in South Bend.  It's easy to explain why a new school is needed when talking about an aging building that is susceptible to earthquake damage, floods every year, and is going on 70 years old.  When considering the prospect of a new building, comparisons between the old and the new reveal stark differences.

But I want to look at things from another point-of-view.  The next two articles I write will be centered on the need for a new elementary school from the staff perspective and student perspective.  I hope to talk about the student side next week.

In this article I am going to focus on why we need a new elementary school from the perspective of our staff; because without our staff our purpose could not be fulfilled.  The adults that work with our students need the very best, and this fact deserves our attention.

I love my job.  I have the privilege of joining an amazing team of educators each day as we educate over 600 students pre-k through 12th grade.  South Bend staff:  teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, principals, secretaries, bus drivers, cooks, department supervisors, custodians, building support staff, coaches, volunteers.  All of them, over 100 adults on a given day.  Good people. The best people.  People who make a difference in the lives of our youth through love, dedication, and a desire to make a difference.  This describes South Bend school staff.

Because we are talking about an elementary school, let's focus on our folks who work there.  Each morning and afternoon I walk through the campus.  As I enter the elementary school before lunch, I immediately smell the appetizing aromas coming from our kitchen.  Those of you who know what I'm talking about can imagine smelling the fresh baked cinnamon rolls and stew that have been a mainstay tradition in South Bend for decades.  The cafeteria is full, as caring, smiling teachers assist their students through the food line and at the lunch tables---our fabulous cooks loading up lunch trays as expecting kiddos eagerly take their food.

I mention this because I am always amazed at the loving care our teachers, paras, and kitchen staff provide these kids day in and day out as the students eat.  Many teachers reward students by bringing them back to the classroom to eat with them on their lunch break.  Others help the littler ones by opening their milk cartons or apple sauce containers.  It's a team effort.  Kids in South Bend are cared for, and it shows.

One of my favorite things to do is walk down the hallway as students are in class, as I enjoy popping into classrooms to see the students learning.  Elementary teachers have one of the toughest jobs in the school.  If you think about it, they are the ones teaching these kids the beginning elements of skills our students will use the rest of their lives.  And not just reading, writing, and mathematics, our teachers are teaching students how to problem solve, share with others, and learn basic functional skills.

And it's not like every student has the same needs.  Our students come to us with different talents, backgrounds, and varying levels of energy!  You will typically find our paraprofessional staff working individually or in small groups with kiddos in class or out in the hallway.  Whether they are reading to students, practicing math skills, or reteaching an important concept, they skillfully provide the vital help our students need.  Special needs children, gifted children, children who speak little or no English,  our teachers and staff work with them all, and they do an incredible job.

On my way out of the building, I like to pass through the office to see how things are going.  The office is not a boring place.  Lots of needs being met, lots of solutions being sought.  The professionalism I observe as staff assist parents, the skill of managing the operations of the building, the ability to answer almost any question.  Our office staff and administration are top notch.  They know the job and they get it done.
   
Everything you just read above is just a small sample of what goes on Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until after 3:00.  My brief descriptions don't come close to the actual work being done.  There is so much happening behind the scenes that the typical public never see.  From curriculum meetings, professional development, counseling sessions, and so many other functions...to grading papers, planning lessons, assessments, and complying with an endless bureaucracy of state and federal mandates.  School staff have a big job, an important job, and our staff excels.

A few days ago I was talking to a community member who told me, "You know, it's so exciting that we have the prospect of getting a new elementary school in South Bend."  Of course, I agreed with him and we went on talking about the project.  But after, I realized that it's so much more than getting a new building.  We have the chance to provide the amazing people who educate our young students something they so desperately need---not just a modern facility, but a better work environment, a better learning environment.  I am amazed at what these people accomplish now, just think what they will accomplish with the educational atmosphere of a new school.

For someone who might work in a newer school or newer office building, it's easy, perhaps, to take for granted adequate lighting, comfortable HVAC, new plumbing, adequate classroom or work space, adult restrooms with more than 1 toilet (remember, lots of adults for 300 kids), comfortable break rooms, conference space, fully functional doors, adequate electrical, insulation, and so many other essentials one doesn't quite find at the same level in a public building from the 1950's.

School is so much more than it was just 15 years ago, let alone 1951.  Our school staff need a new school.  They need the tools and efficiencies of a modern building.  They deserve it, they've earned it, and they continue to accomplish so much for kids.

We have such an incredible opportunity.  Our community has the chance to accomplish something that will take South Bend kids to the next level.  Something most people never dreamed possible.

As a grandmother of one of our students told me this weekend, "We're doing this.  South Bend people support our schools."

Yes we do.  And, I know South Bend people are proud to give that support.  We are thankful for it.





If you have questions about South Bend School District's new elementary school project, please contact superintendent Jon Tienhaara at 875-6041 ext 4 or at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org

Please check out our other informational posts on the new elementary project below:

• Bond for SB's new elementary school: how much will it cost me?

• An opportunity of a Generation