During this holiday season, I am reminded of all the blessings that I have. I could not ask for more than my family, co-workers and friends, and I am blessed to be part of the lives of such wonderful students and parents through Mustang Public Schools.
Our students, teachers and parents are looking forward to winter break. This is a time for trips, visits from loved ones and holiday meals as we come together as a family this holiday season. This time for rejoicing will be difficult for many, however.
An editorial in the Mustang News concerning some young children selling homemade angels to help make money for their families for Christmas really made an impression on me. Sometimes we can be so caught up in what is happening in our lives, that we forget that other families in our community face a much different reality. I know that Mustang is a community that will always take care of the children. I trust that our children will not go hungry, nor be cold.
Financially, we are all aware of the unemployment rates, the cuts in state funding because of lack of money flowing freely to keep our economy stable and all the other factors that affect our day-to-day lives.
As superintendent of Mustang Public Schools, it is my responsibility to do everything in my power to shield our children from the effects of the negative around them.
The funding for our schools is at an all-time low. Our administrative team is working diligently to maintain what we have worked so hard to accomplish for our children without the students being aware of the shortages. We are working to find different ways to do what we have always done.
Our administrators and teachers will continue to do whatever it takes to provide for our students. We will love the children entrusted to us and educate them to the best of our ability.
The hard economic times are not impacting schools alone. Throughout our community, our state and the nation, there are families who are facing devastating times.
Many will not have the means to do what they have in the past. Some children will not have the things that were put on their Santa lists. I hope each person will take a moment to reflect on what is truly important. It is not our political positions, our religious differences or our personal opinions that will change the situation immediately.
We have to focus on the ones who do not have the ability to change their circumstances — our children. In this great nation, no child should go to bed hungry. Each one of us can make an immediate difference this holiday season, one child at a time.
If you know of anyone, or if your family needs help, let us know and we will help in any way we can. I wish you all a happy, restful and safe holiday!
Lightfoot is superintendent of Mustang Public Schools.