I have been sent great photos this week showing parents, grandparents and friends praying for God’s protection and for a good year as many schools begin this week. While corporate prayer may not be offered up inside our classrooms, many folks in our city and other communities throughout Morgan County have them covered in prayer.

All of Hartselle’s schools were prayed over Sunday evening, led by First Priority. I also believe prayer groups and churches did the same throughout the county. First Methodist offered special prayers and blessings for the teachers in attendance during the past Sunday’s worship services, as I am sure others did as well.

With so many praying for our students, teachers, administrators and support folks, this should be one of the best years ever for all the kids in our schools.

We all want to think that our children are safe inside our schools, but unfortunately, it has been proven too many times that this is not always the case.

Columbine and Sandy Hook bring about memories and fears of what can happen, even inside what once was thought of as a safe haven. Many years ago when I was in school, the doors were open early and stayed open late. I cannot remember a door at the schools being locked at all during the school day. Now all doors are locked, classroom doors have special locks to stop intruders, and when one visits the school, a camera will show who is waiting to enter the building.

Unfortunately, all of these precautions are a sign of the times we live in. Many of you have probably heard the quote, “When God was moved out, evil was allowed to come into our schools.” While I can understand the purpose behind this statement, I fully believe that God is inside our school just as much today as He was many years ago. Wherever his children are there, He is also.

Also, with the great group of teachers and others in our schools, I know many of them pray daily for their students, not only for their status as their students, but also considering them “their kids” who are to be protected and loved.

Please join me in praying for all of our students for a successful year of learning, growing into good citizens and for their safety and well being. Prayers are also offered for our educators that they are successful in impressing upon the kids the importance of a good education and learning and developing good habits they will carry throughout their life. God Bless our schools and all involved with our education system.

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