By: W.C. Reader

We had planned to write about “woodpiles” this week, but, then the area newspaper came along with three headlines, and they brought our editorial talents to the forefront. So, for the time being, we are going to put our original topic on a back burner, to be resurrected at a later date.

Now, let us refresh your memory about the three aforesaid headlines. One appeared in the Victoria Advocate; and it read, “Manners are Ms. Hilda’s business.” Dateline was Monday, June 9, 2003. The other two headlines appeared in the June 11, 2003 issue of our Countywide paper. One came off the pen of Jason Clay Jansky, with the title, “TAKS Results Released,” and then appearing under a headline, “State Rep. Gabi Canales Charged With Drunk Driving” and credited to Joe Baker.

How many of you read these articles? Not even one? Oh, I’m sorry, because the contents, directly or indirectly, affect each one of you. And for some of you who did read them, which one did receive your greatest attention? If we were a betting man, we would wager that you read, word for word, the one about the area politician charged with DWI, among other offenses. Down through the years, it just seems to be a human characteristic that the majority of people like to read about other people – especially if they are in trouble! Well, we are going to reserve further comment on that matter until it is decided by a judge and/or jury.

Let’s move on to TAKS, which is an abbreviation for Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. As we understand it, this is a test, which, eventually, all students must pass before they are allowed to graduate. We are advised that this test was administered to tenth graders this year for the first time, and according to their scores in Karnes County this year, some of them might not do so well.

As the story went on, it reported the Kenedy and Runge schools had the least amount (percentage?) of passing tenth graders overall in the county; both schools scoring below the state average. Statewide, 52 percent of the tenth graders passed all portions of the TAKS. Only 27 percent passed in Kenedy, while 40 percent passed in Runge.

Now that hit us right in the face, since we still harbor pleasant memories of both of those schools. Our entire 11 years of public school training was received in the Kenedy Public Schools, and our last 14 years of teaching experience was gained in the Runge Public Schools. Our career ended 25 years ago, but had we been assigned the job of assessing the problems of these schools:

1. We would look at the overall attitude of the community towards education.
2. Such records as are available would be checked to determine qualifications and dedication of persons selected to serve as trustees for selection of guidelines and supervise overall direction of a school system.
3. Determine adequacy of rules followed in determining qualifications of persons considered for employment of Supt. and administrative staff.
4. Examine recruiting and hiring practices to be assured the most qualified teachers available are placed throughout the schools.

There is much more involved in the operation of a school program, but if the above items are in place, everything else is bound to fall in place.

Now, we have saved our final headline – and story for the last. It features Ms. Hilda Tamez Schryver, a graduate of Runge High School and a former student of ours. When we came to Runge in the mid-1960’s, we met Mrs. Minnie Tamez, a widow left with five school-age children to raise and educate. How well she did this job can be testified to by the fact that all children graduated and all have been a success in their professions. Particularly do we want to single out Hilda, who now lives in Missouri and busies herself working with children from 2 ½ years old through the fourth grade in the St. Louis area. She concentrates on teaching children respect and manners; and to assist her in her work, she recently has written a book entitled, “Ms. Hilda’s Adventures into the World of Manners.” A few of the topics she covers includes sharing, interrupting, whining, hitting, pushing, taking turns, and respect. And while she is working with the various topics, she has constructed a set of “funny hats” to help keep the attention of the children.

Sounds like a very interesting project you have there, Hilda. Wish we could sit in on a session or two, along with our active granddaughters.

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