YES on Bonds, No on Bullying and a Fun Poem

School’s back and I’m feeling a mix of seriousness and fun. 

Let’s start with the serious. 

I was shocked and so disappointed with the way some people made fun of Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s son Gus’s tearful reaction to seeing his father speak at the Democratic Convention. 

What kind of people would make fun of not just a kid with mental challenges, but any kid for being tearfully proud of their dad? Various conservatives—such as right wing columnist Ann Coulter, New Jersey Republican Mike Crispi and Wisconsin radio host Jay Weber– took shots at the 17-year-old and used their bully pulpits to be just that–bullies. 

 It goes against everything we teach kids about respect and inclusivity. It’s indefensible.

More locally, five Santa Cruz school districts are asking voters for a combined half a billion dollars for repairs and housing for teachers. 

Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Soquel Union Elementary School District, Live Oak School District, Scotts Valley Unified School District and Bonny Doon Union Elementary School District all have bond measures on the November ballot. 

Not only do our schools need physical upgrades, but they want to build rental housing to help keep good teachers in an unaffordable county. 

On one hand, I would argue that paying teachers better should be the top financial priority. A great teacher could work their magic in a dump. But we are having trouble finding great teachers. And studies show that kids are better able to learn in a better-equipped environment. So let’s make our schools places of pride. 

My schools in New York look like Versailles compared to the rundown portables our kids are learning in here.

We’ll follow up on this as the election draws near.

Meanwhile, here’s a fun poem Courtney McEvoy, the mother of a third grader, sent me. 

“Twas the night before third grade, and all through the house, not a thing was in order – not even my spouse. 

The backpacks were scattered, the shoes were astray, and the laundry?? Oh goodness, just piled and in the way. 

The kids were pretending to sleep in their beds, while I knew they were playing, with whispers instead. 

And Dad and I with our checklist and unending to-dos, we were ready to celebrate, back to school, with a glass or two. 

When out from the kitchen there arose such a clatter, we rushed in to see what could possibly be the matter. 

Away to the fridge, we both made a dash, only to find the milk was a splash. 

The lunch boxes empty, the snacks running low, tomorrow’s menu was looking like – oh no! 

So off to the pantry, we scrambled like pros, digging for something the kids wouldn’t oppose.

But just as I signed, and thought I was beat, I caught a small giggle – oh, so sweet. 

I turned with a smile to the doorway behind, where my little one stood with school on their mind. “Mom, I can’t sleep, I’m too excited, you see. Will third grade be fun? Will it be good for me?”

 I knelt down and hugged them, so warm and tight, and whispered, “don’t you worry, it’s going to be just right.”

With a wink and a nudge, they hurried to bed. 

And I tucked them in tight and kissed their not so little head. 

Then back to our tasks, I returned with a grin, knowing tomorrow, the school year begins.

 And as we finished the lunches, and turned out the light, I whispered, “Happy third grade, my dear, good night!”

Happy new school year.

 Brad Kava

Editor and Publisher