“Up in the morning and off to school.”

The teacher is teaching the Golden Rule.

American history and practical math,

I’ll be lucky if I pass!”

Yes, I love that old Chuck Berry song. Kids are off to school now and catching the bus right down on the corner in front of my house. So, this comment is two pronged.

Number one-Watch out for children because chances are they are not watching out for you.

Number Two-Help a teacher. Many teachers, no all teachers except college professors, are woefully underpaid for the responsibilities they have. Find out about a teacher in your local school or find out about some needs for supplies, food donations, clothing help etc. and extend a hand to these real heroes.

Our church asked our teachers to list their needs and they we put out a box in front of the Sunday School classrooms. It was full in a week. There is a teacher in my neighborhood who shared with me that her greatest need is not for tissues or pencils, but for earbuds! Yes. they are frequently lost, broken, etc. and are costly to replace. Another teacher at my local school told a woman’s group that I belong to that her greatest need (Believe this or not!) was for children’s clothing. Second grade kids who wear the same shirt every day, have no coat, have holes in their shoes, and do not wear socks have little need for expensive pens.

Food-Well, yes. Juice boxes, health bars, trail mix and so on are all good to give to a classroom teacher, but you could also find out about the Backpack Buddies in your area. These are groups who pack a special “weekend addition” to those children who get school lunches, but do not have a food source over the weekends. Such things as cereal, staples, canned goods, and donated seasonal items are always needed.

Do a little “homework” and fill a need. I get that it does not help a teacher with salary negotiations with the local School Board, but you can help a teacher help a child. Try it-I  promise that for a very small investment you will feel VERY good.