South Orangetown Central School District

Appreciating the Positive

At approximately 3:30 p.m. last Friday, I was heading to a meeting in Tappan Zee High School when I walked by a classroom that was occupied with students.  I checked my watch.  Yes, it was Friday afternoon at 3:30, and the regular school day had ended. Yet, there was clearly instruction going on. 

This did not appear to be an extracurricular club, a fact that was confirmed by Principal Amos who was accompanying me to the meeting.  As we walked down the hall, another group of students was in a classroom with a teacher reviewing a literary passage in preparation for an upcoming exam.  As I continued on my way, I noted other “classes” were in session – over an hour after the school day had ended on a Friday afternoon. 

Teachers working with students after school to provide extra help is not nor should be an uncommon occurrence, but to see  these sessions held late on a Friday afternoon, when most students and staff would like to be on their way to the weekend was unusual.  What was most remarkable about these sessions was not that they were simply meeting, but that the participants – students and teachers – seemed to be engaged in and enjoying the act of learning – the discovery, the exchange of ideas, and the ultimate understanding that follows.

Over the past few years there have been generalized criticisms about the American school system and its students.  As with any American institution – including business – there is always room for improvement, but if this late Friday afternoon encounter at Tappan Zee High School is any indication, there is not only a willingness on the part of students to spend more than the required amount of time allotted for learning but of the teachers who understand that as professionals they are not clock-punchers and that one of the great rewards that comes from their work is the participation in the act of learning.

On Saturday afternoon, I received a call from a community member who wanted me to know that nineteen members of our girls’ lacrosse team were at Rockland Lake at 6:30 in the morning, along with their coach, to take part in an MS Walk. The individual stated, “You know, we have some good kids.”  I concurred and responded that this was not unusual.  I have seen such outstanding and selfless service by students and staff since arriving in South Orangetown.

On occasion I get complaint calls or e-mails about what we – teachers and administrators – are not doing or should be doing.  Periodically, the complainant has a point; but too often, there is either a lack of information or a misinterpretation of events that has led to a faulty assumption.  I may also hear about a problem that a student or group of students has caused.  Sadly, in spite of the fact that there is a lot more positive that is happening with our students and our teachers than the general public might realize, human nature tends to have us focus on the negative.

Last Friday and Saturday provided me with another reminder that we have great kids and dedicated teaching professionals here in South Orangetown.  The exceptions are in the minority.