Surprise and Annoy Everyone: Participate!

Wow. Now I've heard everything.

We at Lin Howe have a reputation for being somewhat troublesome - what do you expect from Vikings, really? But in the six years I've been at Lin Howe, our parent body has a pretty impressive record of showing up and making noise. That activity has built a tightly knit family of kids and parents, teachers, staff all working toward one thing: to make our school a little better each year, and to do the best by our kids by putting out a little effort.

So I was stunned today as I was passing out flyers, when one parent coming off the yard responded with: "I don't vote." It would be one thing if this parent looked uptight, or was too busy to talk, but he actually took the time to tell me he had no interest in having input at what is happening with his child's education. Okay, pal.  That's your gimme. My turn now.

If you are at Lin Howe, you're an individual. We like the wacky, the offbeat, and yes, even the shy or uptight. You can be different, but your kid has a place with us, and so do you. What we all share is our part in improving our school site, supporting and assisting our teachers and staff, and pitching in to make sure all our kids get the most out of their time at Lin Howe.

So if you are a rebel - the kind that enjoys hearing spines jangle and crack when you say you don't vote - I say you have to up your game. Not voting for your own interests, and supporting ideal candidates for School Board that's so nineties, very Goth. If you want to be a troublemaker - a real troublemaker, with actual actions - then voting for action, change and innovation is the only way to go.

Come on, Vikings! It's Election-Storming time! Next Tuesday, I'm using my votes to support Kathy Paspalis, Sue Robins, and Steve Levin who are looking at our facilities and saying "We have to get something done - this isn't right." They aren't sitting back, waiting for answers to be presented, they've been talking to parents and teachers and stakeholders to find ways to get things done.

If you like causing a ruckus, then voting in the School Board election next week should be at the top of your list. Getting that new nose bone can wait.