GRANDMA GREEN SAYS: Back to school

Well, summer break is almost at its conclusion. So, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, I, at 85 years of age, will be heading back to school. Only in the afternoon, though.

How did I wind up in the classroom? My daughter is a fifth-grade teacher at Garden Heights Elementary School. I was going up in the summer to help her prepare for the following school year. There was a lot to do. It was then I learned I could help in the classroom, when class was in session.

What did I have to do? Go to the administration office at 1620 S. Pioneer Way and fill out the necessary paperwork and the required background check. Yay, I passed.

Of course, I help in my daughter’s classroom – for a change, she bosses me around. I urge anyone who likes to be involved and busy to check with the Moses Lake schools. I’m sure the staff would love to have people be involved, even if it is for a couple of hours once a week.

Since being in the classroom, I have learned what is truly important long-term. Attendance: Being in class each and every day, even when it’s only half a day. It should be considered a job, as that is what is in their future.

A good work ethic: Do you question when your kiddo says they don’t feel good and don’t want to go to school? Here’s my story.

When I was in junior high school (currently known as middle school), I pretended to be sick. When I knew the school bell had rung, I was out of bed and heading for the couch, my pillow and blanket in tow, stopping along the way to turn on our first TV – no clickers, just black-and-white. 

Then I heard my mother’s voice say, “You are too sick to go to school; you need to go back to bed. No books, no radio, just lie there and rest.”

So all I could do was look at the ceiling. Now you would have to take cell phones and tablets and whatever else. Oh, we might want to consider no cell phones/tablets at bedtime, too.

In listening to the great teachers in the teachers’ lounge, I learned one important thing: The “better” students are the ones who read. They retain what they read and know how to use a dictionary and reference books. Cell phones and tablets are quick reference, but knowledge isn’t always retained.

One thing that would benefit your kiddos when they are little: read to them. Introduce them to the Moses Lake Library. Get them their own library card; it will make them so proud. The library has so many fun, educational activities and the staff is so very helpful.

Now my thoughts about bullies: I personally think the reason individuals become bullies is that things are not right in their lives. They are not happy and want everyone to be as miserable as they are. Your teachers and staff want to know of any incidents so they can remedy the situation.

Every now and then, go to your kiddos’ school and look at the lost and found; your child’s prized sweatshirt or jacket may be there. A lot of stuff is donated to Goodwill at school’s end. Oh, and write your child’s name in their things.

Each grade school will be having an open house. It’s really important for everyone to come and meet all concerned. Don’t know when? Call your school.

I wish our new football coach at Moses Lake High School, Coach Haneberg, and the Mavericks a victorious season. The full football schedule is on the school’s website.

Let’s have a great 2026-27 school year.

Joan "Grandma" Green is a regular contributing columnist for the Columbia Basin Herald. She has been a Moses Lake resident for more than 50 years.