As a licensed teacher, I have a special understanding of how important education is to my kids. Simply put, education matters the most and that is why I could not pass up the opportunity for my children to use the new voucher program.
While in public schools, my children were bullied and they did not receive the kind of one-on-one attention they needed to succeed academically. It was an unfortunate situation and one that I didn’t think that we could change. My husband, Paul, had gone back to school and private school tuition was too high for us to consider. Then, the voucher program came along and opened new doors for us.
After transferring my children to St. Patrick School, I have noticed a clear difference in each one of them. My daughter is an eighth-grader and she now has self-esteem that was lacking before she transferred. My third-grader, who used to struggle in his large classes, is now thriving in his smaller classes that give him more individualized attention. My fifth-grader also loves her new setting.
I cannot tell you how long it has been since my children were excited to go to school, and now they are happy to do so. I love seeing the joy in their faces as they start each new day and I wish that every parent could have the same experience.
Homework is no longer a struggle because teachers are available over e-mail at all times. Parents throughout the school are involved in their children’s lives and care deeply about their education, which helps the atmosphere at the school. St. Patrick’s also puts on various functions that have helped me and my children feel welcomed and involved.
Perhaps the change that I have noticed the most in my children is their sudden lack of fear. They used to be afraid of what people thought of them, fearful of failure and scared to try new things. Now, they have good friends and are confident enough to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them. I am so glad I embraced the voucher program and, in turn, gave my children more opportunity than I thought possible.
