Call and Respond! Blog and Write Back!

A message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Jones 

Writing a blog is hard work.

I don't know how some people do it every day.  

For me, I try to share with you items of interest or topics that are in the news or stories that help tell who we are, our culture.  

And sometimes a week's blog resonates.  

Recently, I wrote about the fine arts program and several of you responded.    

The following is one of the responses that I received. I want to share it with you for two reasons: one, it is reaffirming to know you are interested in what is discussed on these pages; and two, because of the request in the write back, I will visit the school as requested. So here is the write back.
 

Goooooooal! You scored again, in soccer terms!

I was encouraged after reading this week's Communicator.  

What a vision of leadership! I am thrilled to work in a school system where fine arts remain a top priority. Yes, academic excellence is what we all need to strive for, but, fine arts truly enrich our lives.

You know CJ is "brainy" alright, but after traveling to five continents for his scientific research, years of mentoring high school students to participate in the science fair, (ok, soccer, too,) at the end of the day, guess what he still enjoys the most? Listening to me playing the piano, whether it is at church, home or other events. 

I feel very fortunate as a public school teacher to be able to pass this passion on to my students. I have a piano lab due to Natalie's effort and leadership. This year, two fourth and fifth grade classes are getting to spend a full eight weeks with me concentrating on learning how to play the piano. This modern technology also facilitates students learning music concepts.

I am presenting a piano keyboard recital to the parents and families at the end of this unit, the first time I attempt something like this with public school students. Natalie and the piano lab are ensuring that learning piano is not a privilege for just an elite few like my private piano students. 

The public school students come with all different abilities and motivation levels. Most of them do not have an instrument at home to practice on. Something as simple as putting five fingers on the keys all at the same time presents a huge challenge to quite a few of them, yet they are now "playing" the piano!

I push them and enjoy watching them surprise themselves with their newly-learned skills.

The scheduled date and time for this event is Oct. 5 at 8:10 am at Cowan Road Elementary School, and we would like to extend an invitation to you. Natalie and I are very proud of this project. 

Your piece in the Communicator prompted me to bring our fine arts program to your attention.

I do not have a child prodigy, but I do have real students that have and continue to overcome real challenges associated with learning to play the piano keyboard.

We would love to have you present at this event.

Julia Chang 

• Access www.mygscsbenefits.com and select "State Health Information"
• An informational video is scheduled to be available on October 5th
• Remember to enroll or re-enroll in flex spending accounts (medical and child care)

Transportation Department implements Saturday training 
by Harlan Plagemann, Transportation Director  

The Transportation Department has implemented Saturday training to help move new drivers through the training process quicker.   

The new program, called "Boot Camp," allows for 4 hours of one on one training to prepare new hires for the difficult CDL exam.   

In the past, new drivers would ride with trainers during their route and receive training in between schools or 30 minutes before or after the route. Due to the time limitations, the trainer might not get through the entire CDL pre-trip.  It was difficult for our new drivers to put all the pieces together.  The trainee's retention rate was low, and the process could take up to 3 -4 weeks.  

In just one Saturday "Boot Camp" session, a trainee can receive 4 full hours of training.  The trainer can now have the trainee learn the entire test preparation and repeat it several times.   

We held our first session on September 15.  Because of this session, we were able to put a new driver on the road this week and schedule a CDL test for a driver a week earlier than expected.   

We are hopeful this new program will allow us to solve our staffing issues quickly.  Hopefully with this new process, our training will be completed 1 -2 weeks sooner than in the past.  

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