KINDERGARTEN - A PLACE TO CREATE

I feel I had a good start in school. I began kindergarten at Greenwood Elementary School on the campus of Missouri State University. We had 30 students in our class, 15 boys and 15 girls. Greenwood was not a private school, but you had to enroll early to be admitted. I believe my mother enrolled me when I was three days old. Miss Dora Henicke was my teacher and she had a great room in which to teach. We had a jungle gym, a storage locker for your shoes and other items, work benches with vices, an area carpet and a real opportunity to learn. I wish I would have become a "Willing Learner," but I as grateful for my year in kindergarten.

The first kindergarten in the United States began in the public school system of St. Louis, Missouri. Today, the district is plagued with so many problems that many corporate leaders in the city have given up. The district has been taken over by the state of Missouri. The present superintendent, Diana Borisaw (sp?) is a godly lady who really wants to do some special things to create a new climate for education in city schools. She has involved the clergy of the metropolitan area and making progress. Sadly, however, she is not going to continue as the leader of the district (By the way, she is a SERVANT-LEADER).

My friend, Ed Watkins and I, along with MOHELA are endeavoring to develop a program that will change, not only St. Louis, but the state of Missouri and the United States. It is strongly felt that we must begin in kindergarten and create "Willing Learners." Being a "Willing Learner" is not a natural thing, but they can be developed and we want to make sure that happens. I have some ideas, but need help in this endeavor.

Last Friday, I was in Springfield meeting with Arthur Mallory. He is a special friend and by far the BEST Commissioner of Education the state of Missouri has ever had. Several years ago, he began one of the best educational programs in the world when he created "Parents as Teachers." He gave me the name of the lady who is head of that organization and she has already e-mailed me so we can begin conversation on how that organization can help is in our kindergarten effort.

Meanwhile, if you have any ideas on how to create "Willing Learners," please let me know.

Sue came home last night at 8:10 pm. It is now 2:10 pm the next day in St. Charles, and she is still sleeping. I am looking forward to hearing all about her trip to the far east.