An Unforgettable First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for both my sons and for me as the PTO president. It was a day filled with excitement and nervousness, both for the students and for their parents. There were a lot of tears. Almost exclusively from the parents.?

As families gathered outside the school, eagerly waiting to embark on their educational journey, something pretty cool happened. Instead of waving to the students from afar, I walked right up to them, fist bumped them, and wished them a happy first day! They saw me, and I saw them!

You might be wondering why this simple act meant so much. Well, imagine going to a party where everyone looked and talked differently, and suddenly, you spot someone who looks just like you or reminds you of someone special. It's like finding a rare gemstone, a treasure that brings comfort, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. That's what it felt like for these students to see me, someone who looked like them, right at the front door.

Representation matters! It's like having a superhero who has the same superpowers as you or a character in a book who loves all the same things you do. It makes you believe that you can achieve anything, that there are no limits to what you can become. Everyone deserves to feel that way, to see someone who reflects their own unique story.

When I was a child, I didn't have that experience. I had to wait until fifth grade to meet a teacher who looked like me, someone who could understand my experiences firsthand. I don’t recall a second one! And even now, as a parent, I've never seen a dad like me leading the way as a PTO President. But you know what? I realized that by being here, by showing up and making myself visible in this role, I can inspire others who may have never seen themselves in a position of leadership.

That's why I feel so honored to serve as the PTO President this year – it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community. I want to encourage parents to get involved, just like how we can come together to throw a Friendsgiving celebration when we all work together. And you know what makes the party even better? When we add different traditions and customs from all around the world, just like our diverse community.

I want every child to know that they matter, just like the most important puzzle piece that completes our big school puzzle. Each and every one of them has a unique story to tell, and I want to create a space where everyone feels included and celebrated. It's like having a giant playground with swings, slides, and laughter where everyone gets to play and have fun together, no matter who they are or where they come from.

So, my friends, as we embark on this new school year, let's remember the power we have to shape our community. Let's embrace the opportunities we have to be leaders, to stand out, and to make everyone feel valued and treasured. Together, we can create Inclusive Spaces where dreams grow and voices are heard. And that, my friend, is the big and exciting adventure we are about to embark upon!

Sincerely,

Jody McPhearson

Chief Executive Officer

Inclusive Spaces