On Time

Dear Parents,

I've received a lot of wonderful feedback on these weekly email newsletters, some would call them blogs.  Sadly that all comes to an end this week, because this week it hits a little too close to home. 

First my disclaimers -- no, I'm not thinking specifically of you as I write this.  No, I don't have your face before me as I type these words.  And this has nothing to do with anyone who was just late today.   Yes, many others are just as guilty as you.  Yes, I realize that traffic at Jackrabbit and West road is terrible.  I come that way too.  Each day I drive 40 miles round trip and the last mile takes the longest.  I don't know why it's gotten worse.  Life deals us problems, and we have to adapt.

Here are some observations I've made as I greet parents and students in the morning.  It's the same people who are late frequently.  These people drive on the same roads as those who are on time.  Conclusion, the roads are sometimes, but not always, the problem.  And yes, I know that light on our corner was blinking red last week.  It added 15 minutes to my commute too.  I'm not writing about the exception though.  This is about what happens to some people every week (or every day).

People who arrive on time for school value arriving on time for school, just as people who arrive on time for a show value that show.  They are willing to "risk" being early.  Here is the nugget that punctual people understand and tardy people fail to understand.  The biggest single factor is a willingness to arrive early.  It's a willingness to give a little bit of their time to avoid being rude to others.   It's okay to come to school at 7:45 or even a little earlier if necessary to ensure that you will be on time most of the time.  For the most part, it's really that simple.

So the real question is how important coming early (on time) is to our children.  How different is it when they come into their classroom at 7:50 versus 8:01?  When they arrive before school has begun, they can put their possessions away in peace, not rushed.  They can take a few minutes to visit with their friends before class begins.  They can participate in the pledges and prayers with the rest of the school at 8:03.  Although these may seem like small things, they contribute to a better overall experience for the student.

So please give this some thought.  Change what needs to be changed to leave in time to come early (on time) and give your child a better morning, a better school experience.  Learning to be punctual is a lifelong skill that begins when we are very young.  It helps pave the road to success in human relationships.  It shows others that we respect them enough to honor their time by coming on time.

Again, I apologize in advance to those of you who are offended by my bringing up this topic.  I really just have the best in mind for your child. 

Blessings on your week,

Tim Miesner