The Sunshine Report Do You Remember the Magic? ‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the amazing impact teachers have on our development and on our later lives’ Were you fortunate enough to have had a very special teacher when you were growing up? Someone who had an amazingly positive impact on your development? A teacher who was so much more than you could ever have imagined? If you did, and I bet you did, I suspect you think back fondly on your time together – and have deep appreciation for the care and devotion of that special person in your life. I know that I was blessed on the first day of school in Newport, New Hampshire to have as my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Stearns. I absolutely adored her – as did every child in our small class. I had so much admiration for her that even after I had moved on to the second grade and beyond, each year I convinced my parents to go with me to her house just before Christmas and deliver her a present. And I was always touched that she would have a present for me. She would always give me a Hardy Boys book that she would retrieve for me from upstairs. I was so impressed that she had remembered to get a present ‘just for me.’ It was only years later that I realized she had a whole slew of Hardy Boys books specially wrapped for any current or former student – who might just have happened to come by. That’s how much she cared. At Newport High School, we also had such a wonderful group of dedicated teachers. Perhaps you did at your high school as well. Many of our teachers also doubled as coaches, advisors to clubs and other extracurricular activities. I remember Bill and Calista Thurlow as true models of commitment and passion – investing their energies – pretty much around the clock – with coaching, sports and more – for the students that they taught and cared for. And it’s heartening to know that the baton has been passed at Newport High School to yet another cadre of dedicated teachers. In fact, last month I had occasion to be attending an event at the school and was fortunate to catch up with one such teacher. Tim Spanos. Tim and the entire Spanos family have been leaders in Newport for generations. Also, very close family friends of mine while growing up. So, it was truly exhilarating to see Tim at the high school - passing knowledge along to Newport’s leaders of the future – committed to the community he loves. In fact, it’s no surprise that as such a caring and devoted teacher, Tim was selected as Newport’s Citizen of the Year this past year. When you look across America and think about the next generation, the truth is that much of our future is being shaped by our teachers. Increasingly, parents and students are being given more choice in their schools, in their curriculum and importantly, with regards to their teachers as well. In addition to public schools, there are now a growing number of charter schools, private alternatives, and increasingly homeschooling options. While it’s wonderful to see the array of choices now available – and for students to have the opportunity to select the option that will be best for them – one thing will hold true no matter what. We will always be grateful for the wonderful teachers who have helped shape our lives and guide our future. Meanwhile, we look forward to the next generation of teachers who have it in their power to continue this wonderful tradition. Read The Report Jon Morton’s Favorite Teachers – One Person’s Experience Read More A Family of Educators   Read More Positive Profile of the Week - Glenn Cordelli This week we are delighted to highlight a public servant who has been a true leader in the field of education – Glenn Cordelli. Glenn is a State Representative from New Hampshire who serves as Vice Chair on the House Education Committee. He is a champion for all children, advocating for them to find the best educational path that suits their individual needs. He believes in public education and providing equal opportunity for all students, regardless of background or financial ability. Cordelli has worked hard to ensure that all New Hampshire children have access to quality education. He has supported legislation to expand career and technical education and provide funding for public schools. In addition to his work on the House Education Committee, Cordelli has been a strong advocate for small business owners and has supported legislation to help them succeed. He has also been an advocate for civil liberties, working to ensure that all citizens of New Hampshire have the right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. Cordelli has been recognized for his work in the legislature by The School District Governance Association of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association. He has earned a reputation as a leader on important issues, and his work for the people of New Hampshire has been widely praised. Glenn, we thank you for all that you do! Quote of the Week “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]