Classroom Size

Today I had a chance encounter with an elementary school teacher who works in east San Jose area. Her third grade class will have 4 more students than last year.

That means that her time will have to stretch and the one to one time will be less than last year. Those who need help the most will not get more, but less, help. Is it any wonder that US is running behind other nations now in many fields?

The elementary school years are the most critical. They are the base on which the rest of learning extends.

Many of the children we work with in Project Lost Sheep simply have no way to keep up because they don't have the help at home they need. The mother may work three jobs and have as many more mouths to feed. The main emphasis of the poor in America, and yes, we have many very poor children even in California, is to survive. When you worry about food, and you didn't have much education yourself, helping with "book things" can be the bottom of your list.

I am happy to tell you all that for the second year in a row, Verbo Church, where we hold camp, has received a partial grant to have an after school program in which 25 children will get help with homework two times a week. The staff is willing to go to 4 days. ALL THAT IS NEEDED WOULD BE SOME PARTNERS TO GIVE.

For 25,000 more per year the after school program could "roller blade" the behind children to get "up to speed" for the very aggressive program ahead.

I mentioned to the school teacher that 40% of the children from at risk backgrounds in Santa Clara County will not graudate from high school. The teacher nodded her head sadly. She knows that she is fighting a huge battle that cannot be won without outside help. The answer has to come from those "outside the system".

Hello, high tech people. Want a challenge? Why not start getting behind some of the non-profits working with children in your own backyard? Give us some computers for after school programs. Give us some funds to pay tutors and directors and buy materials. Give a little back from all that has come to you.

Children who are ignored will be adults who are problems and we will all be the poorer for it. Jesus said, "As you have done it unto one of the least of these my children, you have done it unto me." One day, all of us rich and poor will be held accountable for what we did and for what we didn't do.