As we begin another school year

Brian P. Gatens
Aug 29, 2017 · 1 min read

Over the course of the next several weeks, my Social Media feeds fill up with smartly dressed children with fresh haircuts and new backpacks heading off to school. And as we begin another school year, here are some suggestions for them to consider:

— — — — — —

Thank your teachers. A lot.

Like a whole lot. Like everyday.

And do your homework. All of it.

And be good to each other. All the time.

And about those not-so-nice classmates. Take pity on them. Cruelty is its own special kind of prison.

And believe in yourself, and if you don’t, believe that we believe in you.

And read a lot. Far and wide. Write too. Often and about anything. Learn to put your thoughts into clear and concise words.

And be grateful. And play. Play a lot.

Ok, now get to school.

We’re waiting for you.

)

Brian P. Gatens

Written by

Dad, Husband, Worker among workers, Ed.D. Believes in good people, strong schools, and the New York Giants (not necessarily in that order)

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