At the Core.

Friends, I have good news and bad news. Let's get the bad out of the way.

A few months ago, I had my sites set on joining the ranks of our local school board. I had freshly resigned from my earlier job to take time off to focus on my family, but I also became laser focused on giving back in the community. Something I dreamed of during long, long days at the office. I interviewed for an open position on the school board and found out the really hard way that I knew no one or anything for that matter that would qualify me for such a position. Being a new member of the community (and state) in addition to not having children in the district yet gave me a great open-mind quality, but not an edge. I naively thought that my operations background, passion for community involvement and "free time" would make me an automatic candidate. It did not. I did get 1 vote, but I did not get the position. Even so, I was proud to have stepped out of my comfort zone and be recognized for it. Through this, I was aware there would be open seats for this November's general election. It was suggested for me to try again and this time win the public's vote.

In came my bright idea of Education Inform. In anticipation of running for election, I hoped to break down institutional walls as new mother and member of the community and ask the questions that others might also be looking to get answers to. In return I might spread word to them so that others may learn a thing or two along my journey as well. Unfortunately just as I began, I was informed that the district does not work that way and other than going directly to the source there are multiple sources where I can get answers to my tough questions. In retrospect, that would be the obvious course of action, but sometimes we have to both fail and succeed on our own terms in order to learn. Ouch. I tried. Although my intensive quest for involvement was applauded, it was also shut down...in the nicest way possible. I can respect that.

The Board of Ed positions are open for community members who what to be involved in the direction of our district. The members serving on the board are volunteers and our elected officials. While they do not manage the district, they oversee it and (fingers crossed) have our teacher's and children's best interest at heart at all times. We are so fortunate to be in a high ranking district and I know personally, that current members are not satisfied unless we continue to do better. This being said, if you don't agree with the board or have questions, go to a public meeting. Get involved! As a member of the community, this is your right. Remember. You cannot make a difference in the world with an anonymous comment or criticism, but you can make a difference by being present. While I may be stepping back from an earlier goal, I am not stepping away. I will continue to learn through involvement and discourse with others in the community. It's the only way to move forward.

So...where do we go from here? Here comes the good news. Education remains something that I am passionate about and this will only grow stronger as my children get older and more involved. For now, I started due diligence on Common Core standards sweeping the nation. 

Being that New Jersey is taking part, in addition to Forty-four states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), it would be smart to know exactly what that will mean for my children, their classmates and our future.

If you do not already know, here is a good link to start you on your way.

http://www.corestandards.org/

I am going to try to adjust this blog into "Mommy Needs a Minute." I must say this to my oldest son at least a few times a month. I understand that the internet needs another mommy blogger like more email spam, but I feel inclined to join the masses. Not to complain about motherhood, but to share about it. I hope to provide additional insight on education as I learn along the way, but also share my trials and tribulations as a modern stay at home mom ( a woman with a college degree who took time out of an established career to raise two of the sweetest boys you will ever meet - thankfully with her husband's support - yet itching to jump back in). We are women of no specific era except that we were told there would be no bounds for us. Yet, there still are. It is a constant battle of balance for any woman - lean in, lean out, fall down, climb up. No one, that I know, makes it through the day unscathed in a search to find equilibrium. So, I choose to share.