Back to High School? Oh No, Not The Breakfast Club.

Who in the world ever would see themselves going back to Elementary, Junior or High School? For me, it was a time of awkward puberty. Did I get school detention? Yes. Mostly for chewing gum and smart mouthing. Okay, and causing harmless pranks. But, I never thought I would have to go back there. However, as member of the State Legislature and part of the Governor's “Take Your Legislator to School Month,” I will be returning to school next month. I am pretty sure I won't end up in detention, but my heart still jumps a little up in my chest at the thought.
I totally understand The Breakfast Club.

The development of informed, effective, and responsible citizens is an important task.  Just like music and art, appreciation of democracy is one that can be enhanced in the classroom.

That is just part of the reason why members of the 90th General Assembly are reaching out to their local school districts.

In the 2015 Regular Session the Arkansas General Assembly passed a resolution designating September as annual “Take Your Legislator to School Month."  In addition to helping students learn more about the legislative process, this bipartisan initiative was also motivated by a need for members to fully understand the issues and challenges facing public schools in their districts.  In addition, it gives districts an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions developed by our educators.

The resolution encourages public school districts to plan special events with their local legislators.  Examples could include allowing legislators to visit classrooms,  read to students, or present guest lectures. Districts could also sponsor panel discussions in which administrators, teachers, and students discuss issues facing their schools.  We believe any activity that engages and involves legislators in the work of their public schools would be beneficial to both the district and to the legislator.

We devote over 43% of all net available General Revenue to K-12 education.  Our education committee hears testimony hundreds of bills every session and studies our progress continually in the interim.  Relationships with teachers can help provide us with the valuable insight needed to vote in a manner helpful to students and teachers.

On our website, www.arkansashouse.org, we have a section titled  “Kids in the House." There you will find all the materials your local school district will need to take advantage of this opportunity.  In the materials we have included a spreadsheet listing the members who represent all 257 districts in our state.

        If you have a child in school, we hope your first week back was an encouraging one.  We look forward visiting the classrooms and meeting as many educators as possible in the upcoming month.