Happy Spring, Laurel<\/i> readers! I\u2019m curious to see how the daffodils and other bulbs fare after being prematurely coaxed out of their winter slumber by that unseasonably warm weather we had a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n
In this month\u2019s issue, we\u2019re focusing on education. You\u2019ll find several articles highlighting the many wonderful things being done to help teach students of all ages and some pretty amazing individuals and organizations that are doing it.<\/p>\n
Some of these are indoor experiences, such as the myriad opportunities for creative expression at Open Hearts Art Center, and the nutrition program Rainbow in My Tummy developed by the Verner Center for Early Learning. At the same time, others embrace the outdoors as the classroom setting. Take for instance, ecoEXPLORE at The NC Arboretum that teaches scientific exploratory methods. These programs and others you\u2019ll read about are incorporating some innovative techniques I think you\u2019ll find fascinating.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d venture to say most of us probably grew up with some great teachers, educators who were given the respect\u2014and the pay\u2014they so rightly deserved. It is harmful (and inexplicably shortsighted) to do otherwise, as children are unquestionably the resource upon whom the future well-being of our society rests. I hope you\u2019ll join with us in celebrating those who work in education.<\/p>\n
Whitney Houston\u2019s voice gave life to these moving and apt lyrics by Michael Masser and Linda Creed:<\/p>\n
I believe the children are our future<\/i><\/p>\n
Teach them well and let them lead the way<\/i><\/p>\n
Show them all the beauty they possess inside<\/i><\/p>\n
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier<\/i><\/p>\n
Let the children\u2019s laughter remind us how we used to be…<\/i><\/p>\n
Paul M. Howey<\/p>\n
Editor-in-Chief<\/p>\n