Why Go Public?

National Public Schools Week was last week. As administrators, we were challenged to post something every day on our various social media accounts. In looking for some cute graphics on Pinterest, here are a few things that popped up when I typed in "Why Go Public School" (not the best grammar, I know):

• My homeschooler never wants to go back to public school
• 7 times you should choose private school over public
• The history of public school indoctrination (why I homeschool)
• Why I have zero patience for the public school system
• Why I am anti public-education and anti-public schools

The list goes on...you can type it in and see for yourself. I faithfully continued to scroll. And scroll. And scroll. I was determined that there would be SOMETHING. No. There wasn't. That was my calling to begin a blog. Because I want there to be SOMETHING that shares what's good about public schools. Let me be clear that I will not - ever - trash talk another school, be it private, charter, home, or another public school.

On tours of my own school, I am often asked to tell the family why my school is a better choice than X. I could tell these families what I think, but let's be honest. I don't know. I've never worked at a private school. Or a charter school. I've never homeschooled. I also have only been a Principal at MY school. So all I know is what makes MY school good. I encourage families to go to all of the schools they are considering and make up their own minds. 

But I also want to be sure that I share why I am so utterly devoted to working in a public school. So here is why:

1. All of my teachers are certified. They have a Bachelor's degree at minimum. Most also have a Master's. It could be a Master's in Elementary Education, Reading, School Administration, etc. Many of them also have National Board Certification or are working toward it. None of them are lateral entry. They all grew up wanting to be teachers, practicing making seating charts and teaching their stuffed animals how to add. Teaching was never a second choice career. This leads to the fact that my teachers are well paid (well, that's a lie). They are, however, paid more than in other types of school because we follow the State's Salary Schedule and pay supplements. My teachers have stability because of this and therefore turnover is super low. I mean, I have six teachers who have been at my school since it opened in 2003!
2. Our environment is and will always be diverse. Public schools accept everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, ability, disability, or inability. When students grow up around diversity and learn how to interact with people from whom they are different, they will be well rounded and adjusted when they are adults. This reduces racism, sexism and prejudice.
3. No matter what, my building will still be standing tomorrow.  Nobody will ever close us down. You will never come to our front doors to drop your child off and see notices of closure.
4. We will provide your child everything they need. While teachers ask for supplies or donations to their classrooms, ultimately your child will be provided with what he or she needs. If their clothes don't fit, we will search out a way to get them a new wardrobe. If their backpack gets drenched in chocolate milk, we will make sure they get a new backpack. If your child needs glasses and you may not be in a position to provide them, we will find a way to make it happen. Even if you can't pay for field trips, your child will still be allowed to attend. Money doesn't get in the way of a public education.
5. My school isn't a business, it's a school. Our bottom line isn't money. We aren't a money making machine. While we bring in income through fundraising, it is to ultimately provide for the students (instructional supplies and upgrading materials).
6. Save money! We are tuition free. There is absolutely ZERO requirement that parents contribute financially in any way to their child's education. Now, we may ask for donations (see #4), but it is never an expectation.
7. My class sizes are smaller than you think. We follow the NC K-3 class size law. So our class sizes in K-3 are below 20. Now...you get above 3rd grade and the sizes get bigger. But this is similar in all types of schools. When a student moves and a class size is reduced, we do not have a wait list or lottery to try to fill that seat. 
8. We are held accountable. While I disagree with the way schools and teachers are held accountable (80% proficiency and 20% growth), we are still accountable. We have to teach the NC Standard Course of Study and are graded on a 15-pt scale based on EOG scores. Our school grades and report cards are available online, being completely transparent to the public. Other types of schools are graded as well. And their report cards should be easily accessible for you to view...aaaaand that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Here is the bottom line, make up your own mind! If you're trying to decide whether to go public, private, charter, or homeschool. OR you want to go public but can't decide which public school to attend (if you have choice) - here are my suggestions on how to go about making a choice:

• Request a tour! If the school refuses, tells you they only give tours at 8am on the first Friday of the month, or is any sort of unkind when you ask...it's not the school for you.
• First impressions are usually accurate! You will feel the vibe of the school instantly, from the moment you enter the office. The office staff are the face of the school, and the way you are welcomed will be representative of how your family will be treated if you choose the school. Look around. Are the students and staff smiling and happy? Is the office clean and organized? Is the building bright and cheery? Is the Principal visible? That is the kind of school you want your children to attend.
• Look at the school's website, social media accounts, and other websites that "rate" the school! With that being said, ugh. Sites like Niche and GreatSchools can be somewhat helpful as long as you understand that it's super easy for parents to go onto these sites when they're angry about something, hide behind a computer, and rant. It is way less often that a happy parent takes the time to go on and leave a glowing review. Also, sometimes Principals and Teachers and other staff change - so the statements that are left are no longer valid at all. But, these sites refuse to delete old reviews that are no longer valid. But DO take seriously what the school promotes. Is there information for newcomers? Are there an abundance of family involvement opportunities? Are there real pictures posted of what's going on during the day? Is the communication adequate?
• Talk to people about the school! Key word: TALK. Don't use social media and post in the town's Facebook page asking how the school stacks up. Because you know what? People hide behind computers (see bullet #3). TALK to people, face to face. Ask the question "why" a lot. For example, "What do you think about X Elementary?" Response: "Oh it's a great school." Follow up question: "Why is it great?"
• Find out when the school's next event is and attend! Oh they have a 5K coming up? Go! You don't have to run. Observe and interact. You will get a great sense of the community of the school by watching the event in its entirety! You will know whether this is the community in which you want your child to be taught.
• Ask about what else is offered (besides academics)! While math may be your son's strong subject, what else makes him smile? Does he love to paint? Is he a natural athlete? Will he thrive if there is an opportunity for STEAM enriched lessons? Well then, ask what's offered to meet his needs outside of the regular classroom. What does the school do to integrate art, movement, engineering? What about social emotional learning (SEL)?

Bottom line? If a school is proud of itself and doing the right thing(s), it's going to welcome you with a warm hug. It doesn't matter your color, gender, wealth or poverty, ability or inability. So give public schools a chance! You never know how surprised you may be that we may be the best choice for your children.

I hope I inspired you to open your mind on Public Schools.