Granite audiology specialist Peggy Clark was fed up with all the negative media stories about education, so she decided it was time to promote the good things.
Her first idea was to write a letter to the editor to tout the remarkable educational experiences that happen in schools every day. Then she had an epiphany: why not write a letter to all the schools instead? Here’s her message:
“I’m a 37-year veteran special education teacher. I enjoy teaching and I love to see children learn. I believe I make a difference in their lives. Lately, the media coverage of Utah public schools seems to dwell on the negative. It’s upsetting to me because there are so many positive things happening in Utah classrooms.
Utah spends less on its students than any other state. With this is mind, it is amazing to see all the wonderful, innovative programs and teaching strategies going on in our public schools. Every teacher I know genuinely cares about his/her students. Teachers want to see students succeed and many go above and beyond to make this happen.
Therefore, to counteract all the negativity surrounding public schools, I’d like to propose a “Nice Bucket Challenge.” This challenge asks the public to write notes describing what’s RIGHT with public schools. Parents, students, and educators are invited to relay stories of simple acts that have made a difference in their classrooms. So instead of focusing on what’s wrong with education, let’s focus on what’s right!
I challenge each school to place a “NICE Bucket” in or near the front office. Near the NICE Bucket will be notecards. These cards are for people to write their stories, or relay simple acts that have made a difference. Place the finished notecards in the NICE Bucket. These cards will be posted at Parent/Teacher conferences for all to read.
Here’s my NICE Bucket story: ‘One of my third grade students struggles with phonics. Today he said, “Watch me. I want to read this book to you by myself.” He read it beautifully and his face was beaming as he read, “The End.” My face was beaming too, I was so proud of him.’”
Below is a bucket wrap and sample note card developed by Granite Education Association that can be used to adorn a NICE bucket.
Be sure to send some of the comments you receive in the NICE bucket to communications@graniteschools.org. We will highlight stories on social media sites.
