Hey, how was the first day?

What’s up SCOOP USA! How’s the Family? Yes, I know many children/student’s first day of school was not Tuesday, August 31, 2021, but because my focus will be on the Philadelphia Public School System, I’m going with the 31st as the first day! So, what’s up, how was the first day?
Ladies and Gentlemen, my brothers and sisters, if you have been following and reading my columns for the last two weeks, you know the first week I spoke about our young people and the second week I lifted up the elders. If you would indulge me and allow me to make two critical corrections before I move on to “The First Day.” I would be much obliged, and I do thank you immensely! In the 22nd PDAC Kicking It Out with The Young People, I did not speak about the exceptional support given by Mr. Donnie Moore, Ward Chair of the 47th Ward. He graciously jumped right in when we called him to ask if he would DJ and provide the Sound System for our events. As I mentioned in the article, it was 90-plus degrees the three days we did the “Family and Friends Day” events. Brother Donnie breezed through the heat cool as an Icicle did his thing and dropped off food boxes to families who were unable to make it to the recreation centers where the activities were being held. So, as we gave accolades to everyone who participated and all those who helped, Brother Moore we are extremely grateful for your gallant contributions, and we appreciate you to the utmost.
In the Article… “Now, The Elders” I misprinted the 22nd Police District Public Relations Officer Janae McDonald with PRO Janae McDowell. Officer McDonald, I do apologize for the mistake, and I will make every effort to not make that error again. God Bless you and thank you for all that you do in service to our communities. I appreciate the opportunity to make those corrections and now, let’s get back to, “Hey, How Was the First Day?”

From everything I have seen by way of the news media, individual postings on the internet, and network blogging, there was a tremendous plus to bring our children back into the fold. There were teachers dancing, cheerleading, and just being hyped to robots, clowns, and other costumed characters greeting our children/students at the door. I was truly amazed at the showtime for the “First Day!” But if you really pay attention to all the excitement, you’ll understand, “Trying to move from virtual learning to in-person attendance is going to take some work and really some special kind of work!”
So family I believe the first day, the first week, or weeks of school should be a real assessment of virtual learning, the impact, the knowledge acquired, and the reconnection of skill levels from one year to the next! Did your child grasp the needed comprehension from the virtual world to skillfully prepare them for the next level? Is there any needed social conditioning to go from the virtual platform back to person-to-person? What adjustments have to be made for children being alone (working on their own) in an area to now being back in groups? I’m pretty sure many of you can add to these questions/concerns as one ponders on what the best approach is to adjust to a whole new learning environment in addition to determining who adapted to virtual teaching and understanding for a significant amount of time and how effective was/is the evaluation process in the preparation to move to the next level.
So, how was your “First Day” and what’s next in the process?
Some of us are well aware of the importance of our education process. That is, how we learn, what we learn, and what do we do with it! Now for others, the process is a forest. One doesn’t realize its importance, doesn’t care about it, and/or they don’t comprehend the significance because they are lost in the educational process. This I believe, is one of the major reasons for the breakdown in civility. It leads to violence, killings, structural deterioration in society, and many times mental illness. The pressure of trying to function in a competitive world when one doesn’t have the wherewithal to think analytically, formulate meaningful decisions, process interactions/behaviors to gainfully develop ways and means to live in a continuously changing evolving economic system can be overwhelming. That is why politics, public and governmental entities are critical for one’s survival in this so-called capitalistic society. Education is a must to maneuver and make your way around in this world. It all starts, “With Your First Day!”
Exposing yourself and your family to the various resources and educational opportunities is a must because it enables you to build a bridge for personal growth and future success!!! What are you doing to be a go-getter? You must go after it because it’s not going to come to you. It’s out there for You! Here’s to saving and giving space for Assistance.
Brother Tyrone L. Reed