The 2012-13 school year is off to a fantastic start! I make it a priority to visit every school on the first day of each school year, and Monday was no different. After watching my two daughters headed out of the driveway on their way to Davie County High School, I made my way to William R. Davie. I saw many anxious parents dropping off kindergartners, snapping pictures and waving good luck. Across the district, I witnessed students working with their teachers to organize their new notebooks and planners and establish routines that will keep them on a path to success. There were several students who looked a little lost, but were comforted by older students guiding them to their next class across campus. The drive around Davie County was a little different in the morning and afternoon as we were all joined by those big yellow school buses and a little more traffic. Those buses are clear reminders that we must all diligently stay alert and watch for students waiting for or getting on or off the bus, as well as hundreds of student drivers making their way to school. There is something about a routine that is comforting, a fresh start is always welcome, and the first day of school will always be special. If you have children in school, I hope their first day was a blast!

Getting off to a great start is essential. I want to thank our business and community partners for all they have done to ensure our students have the necessary school supplies. If you know of a student who still needs supplies, materials, or clothing for school, contact any one of our schools and our staff will look for ways to meet those needs. Davie County Schools is a place where all children can grow academically, identify and develop their own talents and leadership skills, and find success. We won't allow the lack of resources to become a barrier to that success.

This school year, all of the teachers in Davie County are implementing the new Common Core national standards in Language Arts and Mathematics, and the State Essential Standards in all other subjects. This change in curriculum has resulted in thousands of hours of preparation and planning by our teachers. These new, more rigorous standards will challenge our students to reach new goals, and to become even better prepared to continue their education or enter the workforce after graduation. As curriculum and the way we deliver instruction changes, one thing remains the same: the children we serve will be the center of our focus and attention.

The future is bright in Davie County and the 2012-13 school year will be the greatest ever. Best of luck to all of our students, I am proud of you!

The employees of Davie County Schools gathered together last Wednesday for their own pep rally to kick off the new school year. Jeff Wallace started the morning with invocation and introduced the Davie County High School JROTC Color Guard, who presented the Colors; Boy Scout Troop 700 from Hillsdale Methodist Church, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; and a trio of employees, Brad Ratledge, Justin Dyson and Jane Brooks, who did an amazing job singing the National Anthem.

Superintendent Dr. Hartness' message was inspiring and motivating. He reflected on the last school year and shared with the employees the exciting news of the all time high 83.2% graduation rate and the exceptional accountability results from 2011-2012. For more information about these results, please click here.

Dr. Hartness shared his vision for the upcoming school year, which included the implementation of all new curriculum and assessments and a continued focus on positive experiences for our students. In addition, Dr. Hartness shared recent and exciting economic development announcements in our community.

The 2012-2013 Davie County Schools' Stars of the Year were announced and presented with a plaque. Congratulations to the following Stars!

• Sharon Jones, Shady Grove Elementary School, Bus Driver of the Year, presented by Todd Naylor
• Kathy Broadway, Transportation, Transportation Professional of the Year, presented by Todd Naylor
• Angli Dulin, Angela Crotts, Carl Robertson, Billy Greer, South Davie Middle School, Custodial Team of the Year, presented by Tom Evans
• Jeremy Whitaker, Maintenance, Maintenance Person of the Year, presented by Tom Evans
• Brenda Norman, William Ellis Middle School, Child Nutrition Manager of the Year, presented by Daughn Baker
• Mary Carter, Cooleemee Elementary School, Child Nutrition Person of the Year, presented by Daughn Baker
• Kathy Bokeno, Central Davie Education Center, Student Services Person of the Year, presented by Beth Weatherman
• Aimee Farr, Central Davie Education Center, EC Related Service Person of the Year, presented by Elizabeth Phillips
• Eunice Smoot, Davie County High School, EC Teacher of the Year, presented by Elizabeth Phillips
• Judy Coughenour, Central Office, Office Professional of the Year, presented by Donna McNeil
• Erin Foil, Central Davie Education Center, Administrator of the Year, presented by Jeff Wallace
• Mary Foster, Shady Grove Elementary School, Assistant Principal of the Year, presented by Jeff Wallace
• Jennifer Custer, North Davie Middle School, Principal of the Year, presented by Jeff Wallace
• Kathy Bowman, South Davie Middle School, Teacher Assistant of the Year, presented by Noël Grady-Smith
• Karen Martin, William Ellis Middle School, Teacher of the Year, presented by Noël Grady-Smith

Following the presentation of the Stars, Dr. Hartness introduced State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson. Dr. Atkinson shared her experiences in education and how different people, from bus drivers to teachers, influenced her and led her to teach and eventually to become the State Superintendent. She encouraged the employees to spread the good news of our educational successes.

Board of Education Chairwoman Barbara Owens closed with a moving message, expressing gratitude for our accomplishments. She asked the employees to join hands as she led us in a pledge to succeed.