Same Values, Different Generations: The Appeal of a Multi-Generational School Community Artwork

Vandalia ONE

The Vandalia ONE Podcast is a conversation with and about the Vandalia CUSD 203 school community. Each month we sit down with game-changers within this community and we talk about the differences they’re making, are a part of, or are witnessing. We talk with teachers, students, administrators, parents, community volunteers, alumni, coaches, and others who are committed to making the absolute most of educating the kids who attend our schools. The Vandalia ONE initiative is a joint school and community idea that emphasizes both personal and community-wide Ownership of the way forward, the Naming of that way forward, and the Embrace, or commitment, to that path or those pathways. These three important words drive Vandalia ONE, and the Steering Committee, made up of partners from the community and from the school, will meet regularly to discuss and refine our work to stay on task in our mutual commitments. If you’d like to become more directly involved in the work we’re doing, just reach out to Dr. Jennifer Garrison’s office at 618-283-4525. You are also invited to submit your ideas for how we can improve our podcast and make suggestions for guests you think we should have on. Reach out to us at the school or through our producer, Journey12 at info@journey12.com. We are all committed to being responsive to the needs of our community and, if you’re listening, that’s you! We’re glad to have you with us!

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Vandalia ONE

Same Values, Different Generations: The Appeal of a Multi-Generational School Community

October 22, 2022 • Journey12 • Season 1

Principal Stacy Mesnard and her former student Elizabeth Washburn, joined by her two kids, Sampson and Jaxson Washburn, sat down with us for this episode of the Vandalia ONE podcast to discuss what it's like to have multiple generations in your family be educated by the same teachers. What values are passed down, and where do they originate? How much easier could we make some children's lives if we divided the duty of maintaining their well-being between the school and their parents instead of opting for the imbalance of responsibility? Principal Mesnard and Elizabeth discuss these topics in-depth, and Sampson and Jaxson tell us what it's like to attend school with their mom's former teacher as their principal.

In her last year before retirement, Principal Mesnard shares the perspective she's acquired over the years and stresses how multi-generational and co-education with involved parents is one of the only ways to produce a healthy, happy child who grows into a satisfied and driven adult.