Schools administrations often wonder why newspapers don't print more positive news about students.
Good news doesn't have its police scanners and reports, which is generally how we get the bad news. So, we rely on teachers or other school personnel to tell us about the good news.
But sometimes, I call schools and ask if there is anything going on. "No," they say. "Just 300 kids jump-roping for a heart fund raiser". I'm usually at the school before they hang up the phone. That kind of news is terrific for pictures-- cute kids doing positive things in the community. It might not be a big story, but it's good for pictures. It's active, visual and shows our readers and viewers that not all kids are stealing cars and doing drugs.
Monday, I wandered into Devers Elementary in York, checked in at the office, talked with the principal, picked up a visitor's badge, checked with the school's privacy registrations. And then meandered up and down the halls until I found Cyncear Preston in music class.
She was 'into' Olivia Hartlaub's music class. They sang, banged on basic instruments, laughed and sang some more.
There much worse ways to spend a day off than watching good kids having fun -- and learning at the same time.
