Earlier this week I visited Beaverbrook Elementary. As I made my way into the cafeteria, a line of pre-k students blocked the door. As I waited to go in, one of the pre-k students looked up at me and made eye contact. We looked at each other for a period of time and he finally said, "Are you the principal?" I smiled, and I looked to the front of the cafeteria and said, "No, your principal is Mr. Bozeman. That's him over there." The student turned, looked at Ken, then looked back up at me, and said, "Then, who are you?"

 

Kids do say the darndest things!

 

I wonder what interesting comments you heard from students this week. One thing I heard is, "It's hot!" And it was!

 

Temperatures have been above seasonal norms, and I thank you for the extra care you have provided to ensure our students' safety.

I believe that next week it will start to cool some; however, we must remain vigilant about temperatures and safety. All-in-all, you've continued to earn the trust of the public as they allow us to work with their children. Thank you!

I also visited with the second grade teachers of Orrs Elementary during their common planning. They were learning about Performance Matters and the different reports available to improve student learning. It was very impressive to see them work together to increase their capacity and levels of competence. I believe we will excel by better understanding Performance Matters and the information that software provides can help us with common assessments, formative assessments, and district benchmarks.

I would also be remiss if I didn't tell you that all principals, along with many Central Office staff, met on Thursday to plan for the rest of this month and part of next. It was an opportunity to look at our strategic map and see how we are actually implementing strategies so we can be more effective in increasing student achievement, increasing student and stakeholder engagement, and teacher effectiveness. There were many good conversations and activities. We do have a good group of administrators. I was very proud as I saw them working together, learning, growing and improving. So, publicly, I want to thank them for their work.

Lastly, I want to thank you. This week was a good week of school. Things are continuing to go well, and I only dare you to do better!

 

                                          --COL DR

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GRIFFIN, GA --- The first Parent University of the year for Griffin-Spalding County School System parents will be Thursday, August 19, at 6:00 pm at Second Baptist Church with a focus on the creative language of social media  - a definite need-to-know for all for parents.

Carole Bland, Parent Engagement Specialist with the school system said, "Parents have asked us for help in understanding dangers their children may be facing because of the prevalent use of social media. We will be addressing this issue at a brief workshop to kick-off our first Parent University."

Following the workshop will be an open house until 8:00 pm with after-school program providers in the community for parents to meet and register their children.

Community providers who have indicated a desire to participate include: