Smaller Schools Keep Community Connected
When callous cynicism becomes routine, consider one of the hidden treasures about this area - North Idaho’s small schools.
Students and their families don’t get lost in the numbers at Sorenson Elementary in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Sorenson serves 299 students.
“I like the fact that our kids go to a small school,” said Debbie Whallon. Daughter Britney is in second grade, and son Nathan is in third. In a small school, word travels quickly about the needs of a family.
Whallon’s husband, Mike, underwent a successful pancreas and kidney transplant last week in Seattle. The school community has rallied around the Whallon family in recent months as Mike’s condition became more serious.
The Whallons received money from neighbors, a grocery store food certificate and cash was given anonymously through the mail.
Sorenson and Winton are the last of the older small elementary schools serving families from the core of Coeur d’Alene. Winton serves 302 students.
Education experts praise the many benefits of smaller schools. But the current trend in new school construction is to build larger elementary schools based on decisions driven by cost.
The new schools in the area are built to hold more students. Hayden Meadows’ enrollment is 647, Ramsey’s is 616, and Fernan’s is 500.
The Sorenson school building first housed the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, and was built in l957. The Coeur d’Alene School District took over the building in 1972.
In this cozy environment, Sorenson principal Bob Shamberg carries out character education. Students recently covered courage, empathy and perseverance in class.
“With the Whallon situation, it is a perfect example of how to show empathy. Empathy is about understanding how someone feels. Empathy is at the core of what is happening to Mike,” said Shamberg. “It’s rubbing off on the kids.”
Sorenson is a neighborhood school. Mike Whallon, when he was feeling well enough, walked his children to school. Most children walk with parents and friends or ride their bikes. Parents often drop by during lunch to eat with their child. Family dogs are a common sight near the doorway.
Sorenson teachers and parents wanted a simple way to involve the school community in helping the Whallon family. Children from each grade, first through fifth, are holding a class bake sale every week.
Hundreds of cookies, brownies and cakes appear on the days of the sales. Many children buying baked goods gladly said: “Keep the change for a donation.”
“It’s very overwhelming,” Mike Whallon said before his operation. “I’ve been so emotional about this whole thing. I’ve never been in a position where I’ve needed help. People who we don’t even know are chipping in to help.”
Mike had cut back his hours as a landscaper. As a diabetic for 31 years, standing for long periods tired him out. Debbie, a licensed practical nurse had been on unpaid leave for a month to be home with Mike.
“Mike’s health has deteriorated in the last year. In August we found out he needed dialysis. It’s been really hard. He hasn’t been able to do many family things,” Debbie said. “The kids are doing OK. There have been nights where we can’t get homework done, but the teachers are great.”
In a small school, life can be measured in realistic proportions. A family in need is not from a distant country. They are neighbors who live down the street. People and their problems don’t get swept to the sidelines of anonymity. Problems become real-life learning experiences for young people.
In a small school the importance of family can be reinforced by a caring community.
Schools with manageable numbers help students and families feel connected and offer a sense of belonging. When we think about building a better and stronger society, remember that small schools work and make sense.