Teachers are Snitches

I can’t wait for school to be out.

It was the same when I was a kid too – wasn’t the last week of school sweet?  Free as a bird – no homework, no structure, eating ice cream, going to camp – just sweet freedom. 

At this point in my life, I’m also excited that school is out so that I don’t have to slow down in the school zones on the way to work each morning.  Plus, summer is a little bit lighter at Community Partners of Dallas too.  Even as I write, I’m wearing turquoise jeans and a brown and white striped top with gold sandals.  I definitely look like summer today!

NOTE:  Our auditor is here today and he made no comment on my bright blue toenails.  Hmmmm…

Yes, summer is great and even though it is hot and I know that I’ll be writing about my frizzy hair and the heat in the next few months, I am still excited for school to be out.  But I know some people who aren’t glad that school is out – the caseworkers of Child Protective Services.

CPS sees a jump in reports of abuse and neglect each year about this time.  Why?  Because teachers are calling in reports. 

Put yourself in the place of a classroom teacher – you have had a child in your class all year who you have been watching and maybe even suspecting that this child may have a problem at home.  Perhaps the little girl had a few strange marks on her arms.  Maybe she wore the same clothes most days.  Maybe she didn’t have a lunch or money to buy it, so you often made sure she ate.  So May rolls around and you know that you are no longer going to be able to watch the little girl for signs.  You worry that she won’t have anything to eat.  And you’re terrified about what she will face at home.  You call in a report to 1-800-252-5400 and pray for the best.

Teachers are our eyes and ears for so many kids in Dallas County.

I want to explain what I wrote earlier.  The caseworkers of Dallas County CPS aren’t sorry that they’ll have more work to do by investigating these reports that are flooding in – they’re sorry that school is out because while kids are in school they are safer.  Those teachers are looking out for the kids.

Summer is fun, but it is scary for some kids in Dallas.

P.S.  I am making my #FundraisingFriday gift to the CPD Back-to-School Drive this week.  For just $10 we can purchase a great backpack and a few supplies or 2 uniform tops for the 2,000 kids we’ll equip for school in August.  Summer will be over soon!