As I write this message, it's Friday, June 1,2012. I'm filled with mixed emotions, including both happiness and sadness. That's typical for many of us this time of year.
Today is the first day in three years I've come to work when Gail Patterson, my secretary, has not been here. She has retired from the Griffin-Spalding County School System, and yesterday was her last day. I'm happy for Gail, but I'm also sad that she won't be with us each day. Many of you have also experienced working relationships with friends, formed over many years, come to an end, and then start a new phase over the years. I want to take this opportunity to thank our retirees, and those who are leaving us. You've made a difference. You've made us better. You have been invaluable. Thank you.
I'm also looking at the front page of today's Griffin Daily News as I write. I am excited because the article on the left side of the front page announces that Cowan Road Middle School has been named a "No Place for Hate" by the Anti-Defamation League. You see, Cowan Road Middle School is the first school in the Griffin-Spalding County School System to be recognized by this initiative because of the school's effort to end bullying. Congratulations to Cowan Road Middle School!
On the right hand side of the front page is an article about the A. Z. Kelsey Academy Class of 2012. Fifteen students received their diplomas on Thursday, May 31st. Their outstanding speaker, Dr. Ralph Simpson, a school administrator from the DeKalb County School System, brought forth a very powerful message.
For me, that ceremony's highlight was when one of the graduates told her story. She spoke about why school was hard for her. She had difficulties with reading, getting to school, and even physical ailments. She knew she needed a non-traditional school to help her get a traditional high school diploma. Now a graduate, she had been successful.
But then she identified by name the teachers at A. Z. Kelsey Academy who had made a difference in her life. You see, she recognized that there were many caring adults at A. Z. Kelsey. For those who believe public schools are cookie-cutter and are all the same, they don't know A. Z. Kelsey Academy. They haven't seen the extra efforts of that school, this school system and this community, to help each student receive a quality, standards-based education. That was clearly evident at the A. Z. Kelsey graduation.
The night before A. Z. Kelsey's graduation, graduating seniors from each high school took part in the baccalaureate service hosted by the First Assembly of God. Pastor Randy Valimont went above and beyond by bringing in a speaker who was truly outstanding. Mr. Siran Stacy gave a very powerful message that, I believe, was spell binding for the graduates. He had a story, and they listened. It was exceptional!
This evening, Spalding High School will conduct its commencement exercise, and tomorrow morning Griffin High School will do the same. That is why this is a time of celebration for each one of us - each graduate is also a graduate of a middle school and an elementary school, and in many cases Pre-K. They have been with us a long time, and we congratulate all of them!
So, as we wrap up this school year. I hope that each of you have a safe and exciting summer. I dare you to have adventure. I dare you to relax. And, I dare you to enjoy your time off.
Happy summer, everyone!
COLDR
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