Yes, each day, we hear the news what seems to be that the budget is worse than the day before. In the end, however, we still know that our mission of preparing students for transfer and/or with marketable skills is more important than ever. Unemployment numbers are high. Budget is short. Certainly, this is not a good equation. I would argue, however, that the equation of High Unemployment + Reduced Budget does NOT equal sitting around and do nothing.
Currently, that equation at COS Hanford has equaled opportunity! One opportunity was for COS Hanford to host the Hanford Chamber of Commerce luncheon last Friday. We had a good group that joined us for a tour of the facility. We heard from citizens how we could partner together to make a greater impact on our community!
That same week, I took a group of Foster Care/Probation students through the new Center. The lights that I saw "go on" about the possibilities in those young lives were worth my whole week!
Last week, I also served as a judge for the Kings County Spelling Bee. What a great group of students. A true class act on all accounts--from the KCOE organization to the schools which participated. All should be commended!
The previous week, I was one of two readers from COS Hanford at Pioneer Elementary's Community Reading Day. Now, it probably doesn't come as a surprise the book that those two classes of fourth graders heard me read: Oh, the Places You'll Go! We talked about the their dreams. I shared when I was that age, I wanted to be a mail lady, because my family had the coolest mail lady ever....and sometimes our dreams change, but any of those students could do anything they wanted--just like Dr. Seuss tells us. The brightness of their eyes gave me a renewed energy in a week full of challenges.
On March 17, the COS Hanford Center had a Greenathon, complete with a bake sale to nearly finish our fundraising commitment to refurbish a horse for the Hanford Carousel Project. To see pictures of the fun day, please look at our video. A great group of students, faculty and staff brought (and bought) enough sugar keep anyone's sweet tooth at bay for long while!
This month also wrapped up COS Hanford's drive for Kings County Animal Pet Adoption Center! Cat litter, toys, Lysol wipes, paper towels, and money from students, faculty and staff were abundant.
So, I guess if "normal" or "usual" at COS Hanford is student, staff, and faculty helping the community....and making dreams come true for future generations. Yep, it is "business as usual" even during difficult budgetary times. |