By Ken Seifert
There is no question in my mind that growing to adulthood today is much more challenging and the future more uncertain than at any other time in my lifetime. When meeting with my senior citizen friends, the subject of the future of our grandchildren is discussed frequently. Even the politicians talk about mortgaging the future and the demands this will place on the next generation. In addition, these economic times cause us to think primarily about what we can preserve to balance our budgets. This is necessary but perhaps we do not spend the time and energy on how we can make things better within our financial limitations. The youth in our community need the best we can give them to prepare for the road ahead. A very significant role in this journey is the level of assistance we provide both formally and informally.
For over 50 years I have heard the schools are the problem. On the other hand, I hear that if only the parents and community would do their part our problems would be solved. There is some truth to both sides of the issue, but I have a different viewpoint. It is not an original thought.
For the most part the home, the school and the community do care and exert energy in the process. It is the partnership that is the problem. It is the partnership that has failed. We talk about community and parent involvement but the specifics of such plans can be hazy or there can be volunteerism with good intent but no strategy. There are fine examples of partnerships, but they are the exception and not the rule.
It has been my dream that a school is a place where life long learners dream, share plans and make the community a better place for everyone. I also believe a schoolhouse is a school, primarily, and a community center when used for appropriate public activities. The schoolhouse is underutilized.
Recently we have been receiving feedback from far and near about the impact Andover Youth Services has had on many young adults. I have met with Bill Fahey, director of youth services. We discussed his vision, plans and hope for the youth of Andover. He has assembled a staff and a group of volunteers that share the blueprint. If you were to visit the Pearson Street facility, you would see the energy, passion and commitment to the stated philosophy. They have designed a publication that says it all- Andover Youth Services, changing the world one kid at a time. The model" The Ultimate 15 Year Old" is impressive. The feedback they have received is both accurate and deserved. Such effort is a critical piece in any community partnership. It should be expanded.
If there is one thing that has always impressed me about our town it is the level of volunteerism. If it were not for such energy and time by the citizens' generosity, Andover would not be the place it is. There are hundreds of people available if we can identify their talents and they can see the results of their effort. Recognizing the uniqueness of a person and giving him a place to apply it with results and without a long commitment of personal time, produces remarkable results.
There are many activities that can enhance the quality of life, cost little or no money and create better connections in our community. The schoolhouse {community center} has the greatest potential to facilitate such results. We all have our favorite ideas on the subject. I would, in a series of articles, propose a few that are examples of possibilities. I am sure a pooling of ideas would produce many possibilities. Here are some examples:
Parents as educational coaches, coaching children through the school years
In the year 2025, The National Chess Champion will come from Andover. The future champ lives in town, is 8 years old and doesn't know how to play chess.
Let's answer:
How can a kid in a wheelchair be the best ball player in the neighborhood?
There is a difference between negative peer pressure and positive peer pressure. What is the difference?
In every life long activity there are young and old alike who have a community of interest. How do we connect?
If there is enough interest maybe we could present our collective thoughts to the school committee and the selectmen. If it doesn't fly, it was worth the effort. If you make few attempts in life, you make few discoveries.
Ken Seifert is a former Andover superintendent and 40-year town resident.
