I am sure that many parents, teachers and students were sorry to see Okaloosa County schools' summer break end this week.
Meanwhile, some parents likely were happy to see school begin, so their bored children had something on which to focus.
Another school year — what a challenge for both students and teachers: so much learning that needs to take place; so much to teach. It is quite a responsibility to teach our children; I thank North Okaloosa's teachers and administrators for their hard work and dedication.
Parents also play a significant role in their children's educational development. They buy their kids supplies that are necessary to complete school projects; in addition, they feed their kids nutritious meals, provide a quiet place to study at home, and ensure students get adequate sleep.
Supporting the student is important, but parents also need to back up the teacher, even if they think the teacher is being unfair.
You are probably not getting the entire story if your child comes home and complains about a teacher. Having been a teacher, I can say there may be many reasons why a teacher does or says certain things.
While I realize that, as in any profession, there can be "mean" or "unfair" teachers, in my experience, most teachers are there because they love children and want them to succeed in life. If there is truly a poor or unfair teacher, talk with the principal.
Times have changed.
Growing up, the rule was if you got into trouble at school, you would get into more trouble at home — and my parents meant it.
We respected and obeyed our teachers because our parents had their backs.
Teaching becomes difficult without parental support. Please be supportive of our teachers; they really have your child's best interests at heart, and they aren't "out to get" little Jane or John.
Here's more friendly advice: Please watch for children when you are out driving, and be very careful around schools. Safety, not speed, should be our first priority.
Teachers and students, have a great year!
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Once upon a time, parents had teachers' backs