Publishing the News in Dixie County Since 1921

BY: KIMBERLY WILLIAMS LANDER

editor@dcadvocate.net

Our schools are back in full swing, and the energy is unmistakable. The parking lots are buzzing with drop-offs, the classrooms are filled with fresh faces, and Friday nights already echo with the sound of marching bands and football cheers. But as the school year begins, it is worth remembering that strong schools are not built by teachers and students alone. They are built by all of us, as a community, showing up and lending our support.

I know this firsthand from my time as a classroom teacher. I can still remember how much I appreciated volunteers who gave a few hours of their time each week. Sometimes, I would see a student who just needed a little extra love and attention, and I would ask a volunteer to take them somewhere quiet to read together. Other times, I knew a child needed a little extra practice on a skill, and that one-on-one time with a volunteer was just enough to give them the confidence to keep trying. Volunteers make a huge impact in ways they may never even realize.

Showing up can mean different things. It might be as simple as attending a ballgame, clapping for the band at halftime, or cheering on the volleyball team. It might mean volunteering in a classroom, helping with a fundraiser, or reading to elementary students once a week. It might even mean just taking a moment to thank a teacher, a bus driver, or a cafeteria worker. These small acts of encouragement send a powerful message: we see you, we appreciate you, and what you are doing matters.

Even if you do not have children in school, you have a stake in their success. Today’s students are tomorrow’s nurses, mechanics, teachers, first responders, and business owners. The quality of their education affects our economy, our workforce, and the overall strength of our community. Investing our time and attention in them is really investing in ourselves.

Too often, schools only hear from us when there is a complaint. What if, instead, they heard more voices of encouragement? What if our students grew up surrounded not only by teachers who believe in them, but also by a community that shows up for them every chance it gets?

So here is my challenge to you this fall: show up. Buy a ticket to the ballgame. Go to the school play. Donate a pack of pencils or a box of tissues. Sign up to mentor or volunteer. Attend a school board meeting, not to criticize, but to learn and support.

When our students succeed, our entire community succeeds.