Welcoming Schools of Yesterday Helped Create a Sense of Community Where Character Mattered, Fun was Had and Parents Were Partners

Commentaries

Parents and education advocates are always asking, “What happened to our schools?” Many have commented that back in the day, schools were joyful places where parents, teachers, neighbors and staff worked together on behalf of our children. Schools were welcoming, fun and inviting. Parents were partners. Schools were open to parents. Parents and students were often greeted with “Character Matters” slogans, reminding all that kindness, honesty and behavior matters. 

What are some things that helped our schools be beacons in our community? A brief canvas of parents, advocates and students reminds us of some things that were accepted, everyday practices, norms and experiences in our schools that no longer exist. Many helped create the fun, happy, well-run schools of yesterday. 

Defending Education decided to take a trip down memory lane and compile a list based on community feedback of things we remember with fondness that have mostly disappeared or become controversial.

What do you remember, miss or feel nostalgic about? What was your favorite from the list? Let us know at [email protected]. 

Progress is great, but sometimes it’s the simple things that help to stitch together the strongest sense of community.

Missing In Action:

Parents in the classroom

Dodgeball

Parent Teacher conferences 

Celebrating holidays 

Celebrating birthdays

Christmas break

Easter break

Running on the playground

Tag

Boys/Girls Bathrooms

Presidential Physical Fitness Test

Chalkboards

Overhead projectors 

Rolling in the movie projector – the only screen in town!

Scholastic Book Fairs at the library 

4 Square

Reading American classics as a class like “Where the Red Fern Grows” 

Paper report cards

Character Matters vs. SEL

Muffins for Moms

Donuts for Dads 

Star of the Week

Mother-son/daddy-daughter dances

Hard copy textbooks

School Resource Officers

Guest speakers (in classrooms or school assemblies)

Valedictorian

Class Rank 

Using the words “parents” and “mom” and “dad”

Printed School Directory

Walking to and from school alone

Times tables

NEVER DRINKING WATER

Hooked on Phonics! 

Reading Buddies

“Students Rights and responsibilities” that were 5 pages long – not 40

Need to call home? Head to the Office. 

Cursive

No calculators

Quiet reading time. Always carry a book.

Bells for class changes. Out with the soft chime!

Square dancing in gym

Heads Up, Seven Up!

Halloween parades and handmade costumes 

Two recesses a day — morning and after lunch

Outdoor recess no matter what

Intensely competitive games at recess (wall ball, basketball, kickball, 4 square)

School field trips

No screens