John Jarpe, Author at Leader Publications

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 ... Read more

by John Jarpe, Friday, May 5, 2017 11:45 am

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 ... Read more

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. ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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. ... Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more

by John Jarpe, Thursday, April 9, 2015 8:46 am

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