Columns
It’s a tough job when you do it right
This week and next, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week all over the country. Evidently, there’s been some confusion about whether it’s this week or next, due ...
John Jarpe, Author at Leader Publications
Brandywine Education
The three R’s and beyond
After spring break, our kids come back to testing season. As many of you know, the Michigan tests cover the “core” subjects of English language ...
by John Jarpe, Tuesday, April 11, 2017 7:06 pm
Columns
A fun place called school
In 1984, the late John Goodlad wrote a book called “A Place Called School.” He interviewed more than a thousand students, teachers, administrators and parents. ...
by John Jarpe, Tuesday, March 14, 2017 8:55 am
Columns
The gift of public education
There are powerful people who do not believe our public schools are doing a very good job of preparing today’s students for the challenges they ...
by John Jarpe, Tuesday, February 14, 2017 10:57 am
Columns
The lessons of friendship
I’ve often shared how fortunate I’ve felt all my life that I grew up in Niles. Good schools, safe neighborhoods, friendly people, where everybody seemed ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, December 8, 2016 8:33 am
Columns
Importance of attending parent-teacher conferences
Our schools are at the end of the first academic quarter. That means it’s time for parents to visit with teachers to discuss their children’s ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, November 3, 2016 8:29 am
Columns
Hats off to school principals
October is National School Principals’ Month. If you know any school principals, take a little time to let them know you appreciate the work they ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, October 6, 2016 11:06 am
Brandywine Education
Belonging here, and being here every day
It’s back to school time! For 59 years, I’ve looked forward to the first day of school. Twelve of those years were in elementary, junior ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, September 8, 2016 8:09 am
Columns
The most important question
You know you’ve been around awhile when things start to come full circle, and like one of my boyhood heroes Yogi Berra said, “It’s déjà ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, August 4, 2016 11:01 am
Columns
Help make this year’s Cat Tracks the best ever
The 10th annual Cat Tracks 5K Run/Walk will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13.
by John Jarpe, Thursday, July 7, 2016 9:40 am
Columns
Keep public funds in public schools
The Michigan Legislature is scheduled to vote on a State School Budget this week or next week. Since Governor Snyder has been in office, we ...
by John Jarpe, Wednesday, June 8, 2016 9:43 am
Columns
Thank you, Brandywine voters!
On behalf of the Brandywine Board of Education, the staff, and our students, we are very grateful to the voters of the Brandywine Community Schools ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, May 5, 2016 11:23 am
Columns
Brandywine building and site fund vote coming May 3
On May 3, voters in the Brandywine Community School District will be asked to vote on a proposal for a building and site fund for ...
by John Jarpe, Wednesday, April 13, 2016 9:56 am
Columns
The little school with big hearts
Brandywine has always been a small, caring community. Way back in the beginning of the district, ordinary, common people came forward and took the time ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, March 3, 2016 9:48 am
Columns
The right to speak, the right to know and the right to learn
A week before Christmas, late in the night of Dec. 16, 2015, the Michigan Legislature passed Senate Bill 571 just before recessing for the year. ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, February 4, 2016 9:05 am
Columns
More than just academics
Every year over Christmas Break, I interview Brandywine graduates who have been in college for at least a couple years.
by John Jarpe, Thursday, January 7, 2016 10:07 am
Columns
The gift of public education
In this season of giving, I hope people get a chance to pause and reflect on one of the greatest gifts this country has given ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, December 3, 2015 9:45 am
Columns
Something to be said for the lecture
I had the pleasure of going to Minnesota last weekend to cheer on Michigan as we fought the Gophers for the Little Brown Jug.
by John Jarpe, Thursday, November 5, 2015 9:27 am
Columns
Hats off to school principals!
October is School Principals’ Month. Governor Snyder has issued a proclamation to recognize school principals for the work they do. If you get a chance ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, October 8, 2015 9:10 am
Columns
What classrooms look like
Next Tuesday, Sept. 8, thousands of students in Michigan, from kindergarten up through universities, will go back to school.
by John Jarpe, Thursday, September 3, 2015 9:30 am
Brandywine Education
Valuable lessons outside the classroom
This newspaper reported very well on the outstanding Rotary Club program presented by the young female guests of St. Mary’s College at our July 27 ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, August 6, 2015 8:35 am
Columns
Keep kids active during summer break
Summer is in full swing, although we might not be able to tell it by the cool rainy days we’ve had. Our students have been ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, July 2, 2015 9:29 am
Columns
Don’t forget the ‘regular’ kids
“I’m just an ordinary average guy. My friends all are boring. And so am I. We’re just ordinary, average guys.” — Joe Walsh, “Ordinary Average ...
by John Jarpe, Thursday, June 4, 2015 9:53 am
Columns
Appreciate your teachers
This is Teacher Appreciation Week. Here at Brandywine, we expand that to Staff Appreciation Week, because everyone contributes to a good school experience.
by John Jarpe, Thursday, May 7, 2015 10:24 am
Columns
KICK principle vs. KISS principle
When I was a young teacher, I did some football and basketball coaching. An old head football coach preached the KISS Principle to us young ...
