One of the perks, and I really do mean perks of my job is being able to spend time in many of our schools throughout Hartselle and southern Morgan County.  In just the last couple of weeks, I have been inside Falkville Elementary, Sparkman School, Lacey’s Springs, Eva School, Hartselle Intermediate, Crestline, Burleson, Barkley Bridge, Hartselle Junior High and probably a couple of others that I am leaving out.

One thing stands out to me each time I visit a school: there’s a “whole lotta learnin’ goin’ on.” Now I took these words from the old Jerry Lee Lewis song “ Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin” on.” You cannot walk down the halls of any school in our coverage area and not be completely knocked over by the level of learning that is taking place inside Hartselle and Morgan County Schools.

Now I am not at all taking away from other school systems, I can only testify to what I witness first hand when covering events at the school.

Just last week I had the honor of helping to judge a science poster contest at Crestline. Just so you know, the names were not shown so no favoritism was shown to anyone. I worked with the first and second grade students’ work and was blown away by the cognitive thought process that went into the posters. Education has come so far since I was in school, that I feel like I must have studied by lantern light.

Ecosystems in “Our World,” was the topic assigned for this year’s contest. Not only did the students demonstrate what an ecosystem was, many explained it in great detail through the work done on the posters.

For anyone who does not think we live in an information age, you need to see what students even in Pre-k are learning now. Most are already using technology in the classroom as early as kindergarten and are taking tests on I pads in first grade.

Students at Barkley Bridge and Crestline demonstrated how STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) all work together at recent events held for parents and families at each of their schools.

During a recent visit to Eva, students used chrome books to demonstrate different applications they are using in the classroom. Cell phones and other electronic devices are in use in many classrooms as an educational tool also.

Another standout in the schools that is so visible is the excitement the teachers show for the learning that is taking place. No longer are students heads filled with facts and figures that they will be required to spit back out on a test in a few days. Children are now learning, not just memorizing facts that are soon forgotten. The students understand how, why and what makes something work, not just that the earth rotates around the sun.

Also, I have witnessed some of the best-behaved students that I have ever been around. When learning is fun and education is interactive, and not lectured to students, perhaps behavior changes for the better as well. Thanks to all who work in education for the betterment of the lives of all children.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.