Monday, February 10, 2025
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Superintendent’s Corner… 

The three-legged stool

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Many years ago, as a first-year teacher in the Medford School District, I was introduced to the idea that a child’s education is like a three-legged stool. The first leg represents the school, the second the student, and the third the family and community. Like a stool, if all three legs are strong, a child will receive an outstanding education and be ready for life’s challenges. However, if one leg is weak or missing, a child’s success becomes fragile. This analogy still rings true today, perhaps even more so than when I first heard it 30 years ago.

The first leg is the school, which includes great teachers, resources, and a strong curriculum. In Merrill, we are fortunate to have a school district that provides a solid core education while offering opportunities for both college and career preparation. Whether a student aspires to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, or pursue a trade like plumbing, welding, or farming, Merrill schools provide the foundation and opportunities to succeed. I know this because every year we have students who achieve their dreams across a range of professions and occupations. We will continue to strive to be the best for our kids and our community.

The second leg is the student. Students must also do their part to be successful, starting at an early age. This includes attending school regularly, being engaged in learning, and participating in school activities. Students should come to school well-rested and ready to learn, read regularly (both academically and for pleasure), and set goals for their future. Building a network of positive friends and adults for support is essential. Taking breaks from social media, limiting screen time, and setting aside time for reading or studying daily are simple steps toward success. While it may seem challenging, the path to success is actually quite straightforward.

The third leg is the family and community. Parents should begin reading to their children at an early age and encourage reading at home as children grow. Ensuring that children attend school regularly, are healthy, and are ready to learn is critical. Families can model an appreciation of education in various ways, such as by getting involved in school activities, volunteering, joining PTOs, and attending parent-teacher conferences. Encouraging children to engage in positive school clubs and activities also makes a difference. Meaningful conversations about a child’s day, their learning, and their aspirations are vital. Limiting screen time, monitoring social media use, and dedicating time each day for schoolwork or reading also helps. As a community, we must continue to serve as role models and mentors, supporting young people and pushing them to succeed.

I could share many examples for each leg, but the point is clear: each year, I see students with stable “stool legs” and others with unstable or missing legs. It truly takes all three strong legs to make the system work. We all play a role in helping students succeed, so let’s stay committed to this important work!

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