Thank you, Dr. King

I have a dream that every school is a safe and nurturing place for all children. A place where kids want to be because every adult who works there respects students and shows it.

I have a dream that every teacher loves teaching and comes to school every morning with affection, compassion and understanding for his or her students and colleagues.

I have a dream that no matter how a child looks or learns, dresses or speaks he or she is at ease at school (“at home” if you will)  because no one will ridicule, tease, ignore or intentionally hurt that child.

I have a dream that every child has real friends at school that he or she can trust and count on.

I have a dream that teachers are always cognizant of the power of their influence on children and their responsibility (and honor) to guide and encourage all kids to fulfill their potential and become good people who have the social courage to do the right thing.

I have a dream that every school has a gifted school counselor with the training, time and patience to help children sort out their feelings whenever they feel overwhelmed by anger, worry, loneliness or confusion.

I have a dream that every school has a wonderful library and an enthusiastic librarian who loves sharing with children the wonders of opening doors onto the world through books.

I have a dream that every school provides instruction in art, music, theatre so students can learn to express themselves creatively and appreciate the unique gifts of every individual.

I have a dream that every school cafeteria serves healthy, nutritious, beautiful and lovingly prepared food.

I have a dream that every school is a fun, exciting, innovative, creative  place in which teachers, administrators, staff and students take pride and where they truly enjoy working and learning together.

I have a dream that every school is a welcoming place for parents. And that teachers, administrators and parents eagerly work together in a synergy because they fully understand that when it comes to the intellectual, social and emotional development of students they are on the same team.

I have a dream that every school works unrelentingly to actualize its mission statement. That carefully chosen words used on the school website, words like “dignity” “respect” “leadership” “worth” are the daily guiding principles motivating and inspiring every interaction within the school community.

I have a dream that no matter what a child’s home-life is,  school is a place in which he or she thrives and receives whatever is necessary to build a life of unlimited potential and fulfillment.