Mission of GEPTA

The mission of the GEPTA is to support academic enrichment and social learning, encourage community and parental involvement and utilize ideas, energy and financial support to benefit the children, families, teachers and staff of the Gardiner Elementary Schools.

Whose Child Is This?

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play.
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while.
To bathe his hands and comb his hair,
To tell him what he is to wear,
To prepare him that he may always be good,
And each day do the things he should."

"Whose child is this?" I asked again,
As the door opened and someone came in.
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile.
"Mine, to keep just for a little while.
To teach her how to be gentle and kind,
To train and direct her dear little mind,
To help her live by every rule,
And get the best she can from school."

"Whose child is this?" I asked once more,
Just as the little one entered the door.
"Ours", said the parent and the teacher as they smiled.
And each took the hand of the little child.
"Ours to love and train together.
Ours this blessed task forever."
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