Bloom where you are planted!

There is no doubt that I experience what one might call, "school envy". In Douglas County school district - we have options. Most people say you can not go wrong with any school in Douglas County. However, when I hear about a school with a creative or innovative program, I get jealous. When I hear one of "the others" had the 3rd highest test scores in the state - I get jealous. When "the others" have a fun event that the parents are excited about - I get jealous.

But we have chosen the neighborhood school for our kids. I enjoy the 6 minute walk each morning (all down hill). It almost feels like a parade with all the neighborhood kids joining in. We wait for friends and my kids ride their scooters down the hill at lightening speeds. It is... fun.

I have been thrilled with the teachers that we have. They have all been long term teachers that are kind and caring and interested in my kids (and so far all have been Christians).

But there is no doubt, I think about those other schools. Would they be better? Would my kids become brilliant scholars because they knew all the major oceans in the world by 1st grade? Are we not tapping into their potential because they are not being challenged by a new computer literacy program? And how come they don't get to go on two camp outs a year to work on leadership and problem solving skills? Not to mention why do we have our events in the gym when other schools rent out the Renaissance Festival.

But we have decided to bloom where we are planted. I support the idea of school choice - but the result is that with so many attractive options, a lot of the passion, community feel and excitement over the neighborhood school has faded. It has become Vanilla in a sea of Cold Stone Creameries.

So last year I observed - and was pea green with envy about other schools. This year, I have decided to invest. And in partnership with a couple of very talented women - we hope to work with our school to make it a better. That is what a neighborhood school should be all about.