Celebrating Mediocrity

I just recently got a postcard in the mail from an online company touting that they were 2 for 2! This is the second year in a row that this company is #2 in customer satisfaction. At first, I was really surprised at reading that this company was so proud of being #2, much less for 2 years in a row. Then, I wanted to know what was the name of the #1 company. If and when I shop online, I'd rather shop with the company that is known for their level of outstanding support and customer service.

Immediately, I had to begin examining myself and thoughts. Aren't we supposed to be excited about being the best? Aren't we trained and conditioned to desire to be#1? Why do we continue to be ok with being average? Then I thought about it a little more. Prior to 2 years ago, what number was this company? Were they #15, #10, or even #5 and are now inching up in pursuit of greatness? Have they managed to finally break out of the pack and for them, #2 is as good as being #1 because of how far they have come? Are they on the verge of unseating the #1 company and wanted to let all of their previous customers now?

Then, I stopped, thought about it for a minute, and wondered if I've fallen into this train of thought with my own family. Am I training my children to accept mediocrity in any form? Am I creating an environment where being #1 is the only "acceptable" way to be? Have I ingrained in their minds that if they weren't great at something, but worked hard to get better, it's still only OK, and not great? What value do I place on effort?

I have to admit, it makes me want to stop, take stock, and applaud every time one of my children do anything mildly great. Not that I want to celebrate mediocrity, but I do want to let them know that greatness comes in all forms and effort means a lot!

Not sure how you feel about it, but I won't celebrate being average. I will push my children to be the best they can be, but I will expect them to give a terrific effort in the process. I encourage you to examine your thoughts and actions, but more importantly to laugh out loud and enjoy your family today.

Feel free to read my Examiner articles or e-mail me at dorothy@dacbooks.com.

*image courtesy of Getty Images: Todd Warshaw Getty Images Sport featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The Era of Public Schools

Over the last two weeks, I have gotten a rude awakening and impromptu introduction into the world of public school un-usual! Now, before I get all the teachers and administrators all riled up, let me explain.

Just one short month ago, we were chosen to move from Nashville, TN to New Orleans, LA. We were excited, but rushed to say the least. It's the middle of the summer and school starts in just a few short weeks. Believing that school is done on a zoned basis (you move into an area and go to the school in your neighborhood), we were not fully concerned. That is, until we began talking to fellow parents who informed us that the school system has definitely changed and we'll want to send our children to private or parochial school. We were then told that we should expect to spend anywhere between $5000 and $15,000 per child, per year.

I'm no brain surgeon, but when did public school get so expensive??? Why do we have to pay what used to be the equivalent of a college education, for elementary school?? I feel old and want to say, "well, in my day...."

I am a public school girl and know that there are always good FREE public schools that have high academic standards and great extracurricular activities. I searched and did my due diligence searching school sites like www.greatschools.com as well as a host of other sites given to me by local parents.

Come to find out, because of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina over 4 years ago, the City of New Orleans is still trying to revamp itself and get to a place where "normal" has a discernable meaning. The concept of "zoned school" is non-existent and there is much to learn about how the current system is operating.

There has been an infusion of Public Charter Schools, with a huge wait list (sometimes over 100-500 long) because of their excellent academic performances. The standard public schools have different things to offer, but the highest academically scoring schools not only have a potential "wait list", but may even require an application and recommendation letter. Even after submitting all required documentation, there is still no guarantee that you will get in. Once the school meets capacity, you may submit your application, but there is no guarantee of being accepted.

Home schooling our children became a very real option. We did not have a true desire to pay over $15,000/year for elementary school education. We also did not want to put the children in a low performing school where more than 50% of the children do not meet or exceed the state minimum standard testing scores.

What to do, what to do?

As a concerned parent, I put out a call to all my friends in Facebook land and got some great responses. I went to the public schools and talked with the administrators, secretaries, principals, and anyone else who would give me information. I got all my applications and supporting documents turned in the same day I received the applications. I displayed a genuine concern as well as knowledge for the process that we were embarking upon. I showed care for my children and for the quality of education that we desired for them to receive.

I basically did my due diligence. I prayed daily and kept abreast of new information. I did not stop until I had a definite answer of "No, we are at capacity and cannot accept any more children." or "Yes, your children are accepted and school starts on August 11th."

So, today, I finally got the answer I really wanted to hear of "Yes, your children are in!" Believing in the power of prayer, connecting with the administrators, and becoming informed about the public school system has paid off. My children will be attending one of the top 5 Public schools in New Orleans! I am excited because I believe in the quality of education that my children will receive and the fact that it's going to be "free."

Parents with children in school, value the educational system that you are a part of; be supportive of the staff and professionals teaching your children daily; and be an involved concerned parent.

So today, I am Laughing Out Loud and Enjoying My Children. I invite you to do the same.