100 men (and more) needed

Today was our 100^th day of school. We had a goal to invite 100 men to greet the students in the morning as they entered the building and then participate in the school-wide assembly afterward. As the students came in the building and received their high fives and fist bumps from all the men you could feel the excitement in the air—the smiles, the laughing, the energy was contagious.

Everybody spouts the importance of education when they get older. The community wants to be involved. We have to want to involve them as much as they want to help. Often, each side stagnates because they are waiting for the other to reach across the aisle and extend the hand. Schools should be the initiator in this relationship and make sure the focus is not just on donating money.

Just as we know students get more engaged and empowered when they are involved in meaningful work so will the community be involved when there is a purpose and meaning in their contribution.

ML 2/9/18