Our Failure

                Mount Union Area High School is failing the test.  Many of us who patrol these hallways want to point our fingers at the students, who are distracted by anything and everything social and “fun”, and say that they are failing the test.  They are.  We want to shake our heads at the parents who have established no guidelines or boundaries for their children.  The parents who have indulged their every whim; they’re the guilty ones.  Or the parents who have ignored their children, and showed them they have no value crushing their self esteem and sense of purpose.  The ones who exemplified a disdain for education, structure, order, and authority are the parents to blame.  And, they are.  But, as I sit in my room listening to the endless list of students being called from classes to the multitude of activities, events, distractions, and interruptions, I know that I’m to blame.  I’ve somehow fallen asleep and allowed academics to be pushed into our background while the “extras” have taken the center.  I’ve allowed it to happen; even helped it reach this point.  None of us are innocent.  None can claim it isn’t our fault.  We are supposed to be the watchmen- the protectors of education in our “land”.  But, the thief sneaked in on our watch, and we never saw him coming.  Well, maybe we saw it coming, but we certainly didn’t sound the call.  We’re guilty.  We’ve failed the test.

                It might be too late.  We may never be able to reclaim our noble position of educator, a once proud title and awesome responsibility.  The time for stemming this polluted tide may have passed us by.  But if we quit, what chance is there?  Now is the time to become men and women of integrity and responsibility.  As leaders in our school and community it is time for us to rise up, accept our blame, and speak the truth.  It won’t be popular, and maybe few will listen.  But, until we demonstrate in unity that education and academics are the sole reason for our institution we surely can’t expect the future result to any different that the past ones.  As long as we worry more about social functions than trig functions, club activities more than laboratory activities, sporting events more than historical events, and parties more than poetry we will never pass the test.   Certainly sports, clubs, competitions, and such add to the climate and morale of the school.  But, they only “add” to the purpose.  They aren’t the purpose.  They are extra-curricular.  The key is EXTRA.

                If you are reading this and your focus is on defending your activity, or if you’re wagging your finger at me saying “You do the same”, you’re right.  I do.  But you’ve missed the point.  I’m not saying sports, clubs, etc. are bad things.  I’m only suggesting that we need to re-prioritize what we do here.  We aren’t here to win ball games, or band competitions, or have fun in our clubs.  We are supposed to be here to teach kids to think.    We’re supposed to demonstrate that knowledge and its application are of paramount importance in a society.  We’re supposed to stand against the current and say that life isn’t all about having fun and being happy. It’s our calling to show them how to use the talents, gifts, and abilities to the highest levels.  We have a higher purpose.  And we need to show that. 

                I’m a dinosaur in this land of modern education.  But, I truly believe that this school can be a place of learning and excellence if we choose to make it such.  I don’t think that concept should ever become extinct.  However, it will if we don’t change our method of doing the business of education in Mount Union.  Then, we’ll pass THE test.