a message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones
Happy New Year!
Once again we usher in a new year with great promise and potential. I believe this will be the best year that we've ever had. As we look forward to 2012, we say goodbye to 2011. Even though 2011 was a tough year economically, a lot of good things were accomplished. I hope you take time to reflect on what was good and what can be improved. Simple reflection is good for all of us.
As I reflected, one thought that I had was that the Griffin-Spalding County School System is one where students feel safe. It's a place where caring adults reach out to children and help them learn. You're very good at that. We're lucky that you're here with us.
As I was looking at the Griffin Daily News yesterday (and as I heard on the radio) not all students find school a safe place. There was an article with the headline, "Police killed armed 8th grader in school". This occurred in Brownsville, Texas. The student apparently had something that looked like a weapon, and law enforcement told him to put it down. He did not, and when they believed their lives were at risk, law enforcement officers took action. At least that is how I understand the story.
I share this with you because there have been occasions here in our own school system where individuals have brought weapons to school, and our law enforcement agencies have told me that they are going to do all they can to protect students - but within reason. And I understand that.
We have to continue making our schools, classrooms, playgrounds, and busses places where our students are safe. Students need to know not to bring weapons to schools, and that there are adults at school they can turn to for help.
We need to work harder to make sure that our elementary students understand that, even at that level, they cannot bring weapons to school. Over the years I've seen more and more occasions where students have gone from bringing scissors to bringing butter knives to bringing more serious items. We owe it to our students and their parents to let them know that this is serious business.
If our schools are going to be safe, we must forever be on the lookout to see warning signs. Students need to know they can come to us with their problems. We have to create trusting relationships with our students so we can all be safe.
I close this first-of-the-year message by wishing each and every one of you a very happy and prosperous New Year! It is great to have you back. The weather has changed - and one thing about being in this part of the country is that we get to see four seasons. Let's celebrate what we have with this one.
It is a good time to be in the Griffin-Spalding County School System!
Have a great weekend!
