Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we celebrate all the mothers out there with a relaxing day of peace and quiet. While this all sounds like a perfect day, we know there is a part of us that enjoys the craziness of the everyday life as a mom. I am not a scientist, but writing from a female’s perspective, I know the bond that mothers have with their child differs from the dads.
Yesterday, my son and I went to canvass different neighborhoods in Grundy County. This is the third time he canvassed neighborhoods with me in the last two weeks. Since the start of the “pandemic,” my son knows the truth about the laws and his rights. My husband and I want him to grow up in a world where he is not forced into obeying tyrannical rules and laws while living in a free country. As a Mama Bear, he knows I will do anything to protect him, including suing the state for violating his rights and freedom to live.
I continued to canvass on my own later in the day and decided to ride my bike instead of driving around town. This gave me the opportunity to exercise while being able to speak with parents. As many were outside enjoying the weather (for the first time in a few weeks), I spoke to one father about my goals as the Regional Superintendent of Schools for Grundy / Kendall County. What surprised me was that he did not know about the recent Senate Bill that was passed by legislation (SB818). This is a concern because parents are not being notified of the changes in their child’s education. They are not familiar with the bills being passed through by the legislators and signed by the Governor. Yet, I believe that this information should be sent by local school districts to families to keep them informed. When I explained the bill to him, he was mortified.
Why is there a lack of communication between the educational system and families? It is apparent more now than ever that some school boards do not have the best interest of the parents in mind in making decisions. While the parents are unaware that they have the option to opt out, school districts need to stand up by opting out of this bill from even entering the school system as many districts already have done.
Senate Bill 818 brings Illinois' sexual health education into the 21st century by adding new personal health and safety education standards in kindergarten through 5th grade, and making comprehensive health education more inclusive in grades 6 through 12. School districts do not have to adopt the voluntary standards unless they are teaching comprehensive sexual health education, and parents can choose to opt out (Illinois.Gov).
What many do not know is that HB0024 was approved by the Governor the same day as SB818. Once again, any bill that effects the educational system needs to be addressed by those in charge by relaying the information to the parents within the districts. Mama Bears, like me, will not keep this information from others. It’s important to advocate for those who cannot or do not advocate for themselves. With all that is going on in the state, the country, and the world, it becomes too much and overwhelming at times.
It’s time we stood together to Restore Education before it’s too late.
Click on the bills to find the information about SB818 and HB0024.
To donate / volunteer, visit my website - Koppers for ROE 24
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Best,
Kristen Koppers, M.A., Ed., NBCT