That was an excellent article that Jim Walsh wrote, and it was important to hear the voices of family to round out our picture of this sad and troubled youngster. Abandoned by dad, bouncing from school to school, experiencing homelessness for a time, then thrown out by mom...yes, there's always hope for kids, but this poor guy walked into Harding with very little to help him keep his head above water. Yes, it's a huge school. But it's also important to know that Harding leads this district in creating legitimate and effective small learning communities, connecting every student with a caring adult, and helping students explore various pathways for their future beyond high school. They really are doing an excellent job. It's also important to remember that staff in our schools care deeply about youth, as, in fact, do many, many other adults. Staff reach out to kids every single day, keeping them safe, helping them learn, and helping them navigate successfully through young adulthood. Families do the same, as do all kinds of adults serving as formal and informal mentors touching kids' lives in precious ways. And our collective approach works well for thousands and thousands of wonderfully diverse and challenging kids all year long. The vast majority do grow up safely and find their way in the world. As a community, we don't always catch all kids before they make big mistakes, take wrong turns, and fall, hard. I am extremely glad that we found this youngster and put him in a place where he, and those around him, are safe. But it's not OK that he got this far; he needed enormous amounts of help years and years ago, and will for many years to come. Our school staff and the community as a whole surely will continue to step us and do everything we can to help prevent and protect our students -- and my forever thanks to those how give so much. And I hope that those who aren't yet actively involved with our youth will consider becoming so...there's so much to do, and so many incredibly wonderful kids out there who always, always benefit from having another caring adult in their lives. -- Anne Carroll
------------------------------------------------------------ Anne R. Carroll Carroll, Franck & Associates Public Involvement, Strategic Planning, Communications 1357 Highland Parkway St. Paul, MN 55116 USA <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 651-690-9162 School Board: 651-690-9156 "A politician worries about the next election. A true states[wo]man worries about the next generation, and children yet unborn." - e.e. cummings "...leadership is about how you bring out the best in people. Leadership is what you give to the community you live in. Leadership is what you give to the world. Leadership is how you live an honest life... You will be more credible and you will be more powerful if you do not separate the lives you live from the words you speak." -- Paul Wellstone _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
