Two years as a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer

Dear Editor,

I recently completed my second year as a volunteer in the Watch D.O.G.S. program at Borland Road Elementary in Imlay City.

Like my first year, I spent approximately two days each month in the classrooms working alongside students and staff. Having returned for a second year, I developed deeper connections with the students and gained an even greater appreciation for their energy, optimism, and enthusiasm for learning.

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of volunteering at both Weston Elementary and Borland Road Elementary.

Each experience has been remarkable. I continue to be amazed by the professionalism, dedication, and genuine love that the teachers and staff have for their students.

It is remarkable to see a school where seemingly every teacher knows every child’s name, where support staff work hard every day to ensure classrooms are clean and students are cared for, and where the principal greets students each morning with a smile and words of encouragement.

What impressed me most was that this wasn’t an occasional occurrence—it was the standard every single day. Every employee I encountered consistently demonstrated a commitment to the students and to each other.

After two years in the schools, however, I feel compelled to address a few misconceptions that some people may have about public education.

First, I never witnessed a teacher attempting to indoctrinate students politically, religiously, culturally, or otherwise.

Quite frankly, teachers are far too busy teaching reading, writing, mathematics, science, and other essential life skills.

They spend their days helping students learn how to treat others with respect, solve problems, work together, and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

Second, despite what some social media posts may suggest, I have never seen a litter box in a classroom, nor have I heard of one being used in any school where I have volunteered.

Third, yes, students still recite the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. They stand, participate, and know the words.

And yes, they still teach cursive writing. Whether students use it extensively in the future is another question, but it is still being taught.

Likewise, during my time in the schools, I never once heard anyone discussing critical race theory. It simply was not part of my experience as a volunteer.

What I did see was a group of dedicated educators working incredibly hard every day on behalf of their students.

Teaching is not an easy profession, and I believe the demands placed on today’s teachers are greater than ever. The curriculum is more challenging than what many of us experienced as children, and the expectations placed upon educators continue to grow.

I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to spend a day volunteering in a classroom.

I suspect many would come away with the same conclusion I did: a tremendous appreciation for the teachers, administrators, support staff, and students who make our schools successful.

At least that has been my experience in the Imlay City School District over the past two years.

As I look forward to volunteering again next year with the fourth graders, I want to wish all of the teachers, staff, and students a wonderful and well-deserved summer.

Sincerely,
—Ian Kempf