The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

That's Not The Way We Use To Do It...

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

14 September 2005

Have you ever read a history book? Does it repeat itself? Not usually, but if it does, it is usually because someone hasn't paid attention to the lessons being taught.

We are constantly trying to improve our society, our businesses and our schools with a new and easier way of doing things. And that means getting out of our usual routine.

At West Central, both Union and Southern School teachers and students have had to walk away from their familiar settings and come together under a new and different structure. It is always good to house clean in such a manner that we take everything out of the house and only put back what we really need.

We might call it "A Clean Sweep" like the TV special that makes homeowners use their space more efficiently.

It is easy to see how teachers might say, "That's not the way we use to do it," but if they think about it, they will realize that that is okay. It's a whole different school not just for them, but for everyone.

When the new hospital was built in West Burlington, Iowa, everyone was a bit testy at first because it took awhile to get use to the changes of where things were kept and how things were arranged. But finally everyone settled in and even we are finding our way around that huge new facility.

It is not just the students learning at West Central. All of us are having to learn a new routine.

I walked in and said, "Where is the Superintendent?" People have moved from their usual place. Things are handled a little differently, but it's okay. We will all get familiar with the new facility and in a few years it will be like home.

It is exciting to be a part of change, even though it is a bit uncomfortable. None of us will want to return to our past, even though we call it "the good ole days."

Yes, it was wonderful, but we must progress on with the times, the same as our children.

Remember, we changed the way we did things from those before us as well. Aren't you glad you did?