Broken Schools, Lost Futures

Greetings, Fellow Leaders and Visionaries,

As I sit to pen this edition of 'The Best of LinkedIn,' I am still deeply troubled and upset by the issue I discussed in my latest 'Mindful Ethics' newsletter.

As many of you know, wearing the dual hats of a CEO and an Ordained Minister has its unique challenges. Recently, in my capacity as a minister, a 16-year-old girl confided in me that the local high school, right here in the smallest of New Hampshire towns, has become an open-air drug market.

This revelation is alarming and distressing, but it underscores a broader issue that we cannot ignore: our public schools have failed our children.

The Heart of the Issue

Let's not mince words—the very institutions that are supposed to nurture and educate our young minds have become breeding grounds for vice and despair. The bottom line and the theme of this newsletter is clear: public schools have failed to teach our children values and ethics.

They have not equipped our youth with the necessary skills to cope with life’s challenges.

This failure is not just a local issue; it's a national crisis.

The Stark Reality

To grasp the magnitude of this failure, let’s delve into some unsettling statistics:

1. Drug Use in Schools: According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 21% of high school students reported using illicit drugs in the past month as of 2023 . This is not just a number; it's a cry for help from our future generations.
2. Mental Health Crisis: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 37% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. This statistic is a stark reminder that our schools are failing to provide the emotional and psychological support our children desperately need.
3. Lack of Life Skills: A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 45% of teenagers feel unprepared for adulthood . This includes essential life skills like financial literacy, conflict resolution, and basic self-care.

The Consequences

The consequences of these failures are far-reaching. Without a solid foundation in values and ethics, without the skills necessary to navigate life's complexities, our children are left adrift in a sea of uncertainty and temptation. The rise in drug use and mental health issues among teenagers is just the tip of the iceberg.

The real danger lies beneath the surface: a generation unprepared to take on the responsibilities of adulthood.

Where Do We Go From Here?

It's easy to point fingers and assign blame, but what we need now is action. As leaders, as parents, as members of our communities, we must step up and demand better. Here are a few steps we can take to start turning the tide:

1. Reform the Curriculum: Schools must prioritize teaching values and ethics. This means integrating these lessons into every aspect of the curriculum, from literature to science, ensuring that students understand the importance of integrity, empathy, and responsibility.
2. Life Skills Education: Introduce mandatory courses that teach essential life skills. Financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking should be core subjects, not afterthoughts.
3. Mental Health Support: Increase funding for school counselors and mental health programs. Every student should have access to the support they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
4. Community Involvement: Encourage local businesses, religious organizations, and community groups to get involved. Mentorship programs, internships, and volunteer opportunities can provide students with real-world experience and guidance.
5. Parental Engagement: Schools cannot do this alone. Parents must be active participants in their children's education, reinforcing the values and skills taught in the classroom at home.

A Call to Action

The situation is dire, but it is not hopeless.

We have the power to effect change. It starts with acknowledging the problem and committing to a solution. As a community, we must come together to support our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our children. They are the future, and they deserve better.

The open-air drug market in a small New Hampshire town’s high school is a symptom of a much larger problem. Our public schools have failed to teach our children the values and skills they need to succeed in life. But with concerted effort and unwavering commitment, we can turn things around. Let’s shape the future minds with the care, dedication, and integrity they deserve.

With resolve and determination,

David

P.S. One of the reasons I have been a member of the Council For Unity since the 1970s, and why my family has pledged 3% of the profits from any commercial solar deal we do to the Council, is their unwavering commitment to creating happy children and ending violence in schools. On that note, my newsletters are informative and educational and free—but we monetize by selling solar energy systems.

If you know of a commercial business that uses a lot of electricity, we can save them a fortune by going green with solar energy. There are so many government incentives available that any businessperson will thank you for adding so much EBIDTA to their bottom line. Refer them to me and get a shark-sized royalty yourself!

? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

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