United in Hope: A Global Community Rallies for School SAFETY

As a mother of six grown children, the recent school shootings and public safety concerns have brought me to tears. It is devastating to see so many lives lost and families shattered by senseless acts of violence. While I am not a political figure, I am a firm believer in putting people first and finding solutions as a community.

I have worked in various capacities in schools in the past, and never once did I fear for my life. It breaks my heart to think that this is a reality for so many teachers, staff, and students. When I was growing up, there was an unwritten rule that older people, children, and schools were off-limits for harm. Unfortunately, that rule seems to have changed. We have gone from a fist fight to killing sprees.

As someone who has faced hardships in my own life, including being homeless at the old age of 10 years young and spending time in juvenile hall when I was told that I needed to turn myself in as a run away. Running from an abusive home then later going to a 'camp' aka correctional facility for young teens when awaiting emancipation for 6 months... I know that a code of ethics can be established even in tough situations. We need to come together to find solutions to keep our schools safe for all.

As a young working mom and entrepreneur I had the honor of giving back to my community creating an open source learning program for at risk youth. I also worked as a reading specialist and teacher in public schools, Montessori and Waldorf Schools and even volunteered at my local Kumon reading and math centers.?

I have spent close to 20 years campaigning for equal education for all children, helping to form charter schools, and passing school bills to allow students who are being bullied to transfer to another school or district for their safety. Now, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and take action to help any way I can to make our schools safer. It is going to take everyone's action, time and contribution to create the change that is required.

Our children, teachers, staff, and families deserve to feel safe and free to learn and make beautiful memories. We cannot continue to just train them to hide through these active shooter drills that leave them wondering if they will make it home safely at the end of each day. It is time for reforms and massive action to stop this terrible situation. Let's come together as a community to find solutions and put our schools and public safety first.

I hope that my personal experience and insights have shed some light on the urgent need for change in our schools and communities. But let's not forget that as parents, we also have the power to choose alternative forms of education that work best for our children. On The Sheila Mac Show and my YouTube channel, I'll be sharing about the different school choices available that many parents may not be aware of. Join me in this conversation and let's work together to ensure the safety and success of our children's education.

Tune in this next week starting Monday where I will have episodes on education and school choices as follows:?

MONDAY 4/3/23: Home Schooling and Home School Co-Ops IHP

TUESDAY 4/4/23: IEP and Public Schools, Charter Schools and Your Child’s Best Options

WEDNESDAY 4/5/23: High School Earn College Credit and High School Credit saving thousands on your child’s college education.

THRUSDAY 4/6/23: How to help your teacher and school support your child and all the children in the community.

FRIDAY 4/7/23: The Variety of Learning Styles From Tutoring to Montessori, to Waldorf, to Un-Schooling.

MONDAY 4/10/23: Readers are Leaders — How to Teach Your Child to Read, reading options and literacy.

No matter which form of education a parent chooses, I strongly believe that every child and every school deserves our support as a community and as a country to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning experience for all. It is time for us to come together, put aside our differences, and take the necessary actions to prevent any further tragedies from occurring in our schools.