Superintendent's Blog

September 29, 2009 - Celebrating Excellence

Celebrating Excellence in Education was such a special night. Even though we were in the dark for a short period of time (thanks to an electrical storm), we celebrated.

This event gave us the opportunity to highlight the hard work of our principals, students and staff. The event recognized our honored employees during the 2008-09 school year, rewarded the 16 most improved schools and named our Principal and Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to our 16 most improved schools:

I also want to congratulate Triangle Lake Montessori Principal Cheri Keels, who was named the 2009-10 Principal of the Year and Terri Roberts of Southwest Elementary, who earned the Teacher of the Year title. Dr. LaToy Kennedy and Rodney Morgan, last year’s principal and teacher of the year, respectively, have done a superb job. As they pass on their “crowns,” I’m confident that Ms. Keels and Ms. Roberts will continue to broaden Guilford County Schools’ message of excellence.  

Thank you to our students who participated in this event. Whether they helped attendees find their seat or performed on stage, it was so significant to share their talents with our audience.
I am very grateful to Businesses for Excellence in Education for underwriting this event, but I am especially thankful for their steadfast support of Guilford County Schools. The individuals involved in Businesses for Excellence in Education continue to help our students achieve educational excellence.

Monday night’s event is just one example of the power of collaboration, and what working together can do to help our district rise to excellence. Building relationships within our communities has such a strong impact on our schools, and this annual event emphasizes the role we all can play to support Guilford County Schools.

To watch highlights of the event, tune in to GCSTV 2 or watch online beginning next week.

September 11, 2009

Today, September 11th, marks an eight-year anniversary of a day when our nation experienced unthinkable tragedy. In the days that followed the destruction, moments of great heroism, strength and true human compassion were revealed and shared with America and all across the world.

Congress has designated September 11 as Patriot Day, and President Barack Obama declared this day a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Today, Guilford County Schools honors the lives that were lost and remembers those moments of humanity. Schools across the district will observe a moment of silence, and I’m sure many will participate in meaningful discussions. While this date will always be one of sorrow, I hope community service and collaboration among our students and community continue to grow on this historic day.

September 8, 2009 - Encouraging our students to take responsibility

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama spoke to America's children about education. I hope parents, community members and especially students had a chance to listen to the President’s message. While administrators, parents and teachers all have a responsibility when it comes to our schoolchildren, President Obama’s message was aimed toward students’ responsibility for their own education.

Our President asked each student in every grade, in every classroom, in every school across the country to take responsibility for their own future and make a commitment to succeed. It is so important for our students to realize the impact of not only staying in school, but taking advantage of all it has to offer, understanding what an education can do for an individual, a community and a nation.

Upon my appointment last year, I charged the district, including our students and community, with raising the level of expectations in the classroom and beyond as highlighted in the district’s strategic plan. This year, we will continue to raise the bar of academic excellence.

Guilford County Schools will request, expect, demand and require academic excellence from our students. But it is equally important for our children to set their own educational goals and commit to them, striving for excellence in all they do. As our children do their part, let’s continue to do ours and help our students reach their goals.

GCSTV 2 will rebroadcast President Obama’s speech Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m.