Happy Holidays! We have just finished our mid-year Graduation Projects at each of our high schools, and I wanted to share with you some reflections on the work that our students have accomplished during this process.
As many of you know, Graduation Projects became a state requirement for graduating seniors, and then was repealed as a state requirement this past year. We were left with a choice of not requiring students to complete the project, or making the projects a local requirement. After discussions with administrators, students and parents, our board of education decided to continue the requirement. The question “Why require students to complete a requirement that the state doesn’t require” has been asked often of me, and some of you may be pondering the same.
Education is in a state of transition. We are preparing students for a future that is not predictable. A student who enters high school as a freshman will leave into an entirely different world as a senior because technology and society is moving at such a fast pace. Our students must learn to adapt, communicate and learn not just knowledge, but how to think in a flexible and creative way. The Graduation projects facilitate this by requiring students to collaborate with a community member, complete in-depth research and, perhaps most important, take an academic approach to a subject in which the student is genuinely interested. The final oral presentation to a committee completes the process. I have come to the conclusion that the projects come closer to real-world life and work experiences than any other endeavor we approach in our school system. They help bring the community in to our classrooms and show students that any interest can become a serious academic or career pursuit.
Some of the topics included Breast Cancer Awareness, Belly Dancing, Upholstering a Chair, Quilting and the Native American Indian Heritage, Cake Decorating, Rebuilding a Car Motor, Pharmacology, Paleontology, Fish Farming, Turtle Rescue, Tango Dancing, Scuba Diving, Fly Fishing, and Cochlear Implants. In many instances, these projects had fundraising or public service components. In the vast majority of projects, the students’ enthusiasm and mastery of the material were clearly evident. When we provide students an opportunity learn about a topic that they are passionate about, engagement and involvement result. My sincere hope is that, with your help, we will continue to evolve our schools into environments where all students are engaged and excited about learning. The lessons that the Graduation Projects have taught us will help obtain this goal.
Please visit our website at www.columbus.k12.nc.us and I invite your comments on my blog at drstrickland.blogspot.com. We also invite you to view our Virtual Holiday Card at http://www.ccsholidaycard.com. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
American Education Week
This week, November 16-21st marks American Education Week. I have always noticed the proximity of this week to Thanksgiving; it seems appropriate that, in a season of giving and thankfulness, we reflect upon our educators who give tirelessly each day, with little reward other than the satisfaction of a job well done.
In my visits to the schools, I often see teachers providing support in emotional and academic ways. I see custodians providing caring supervision and child nutrition workers asking about a student’s well-being. I witness computer technicians assisting with a child’s question, and I see central office personnel working closely with teachers to maximize all learning opportunities. Maintenance workers cheerfully assist teachers with any need and our office support personnel answer three questions, give a child a band aid, and answer the phone all at the same time. Most of you have heard the expression “It takes a village to raise a child”. It also takes a village to teach a child, and all of our staff work hard every day to ensure that each child’s needs are met, be they physical, academic or emotional.
As the year draws to a close, I have had many thoughts about our school system, and the issues we have had with budgets. We would love to be able to put technology in its rightful place in the classroom, to make all of our classes small and have all students learning in brand new buildings. What I have discovered, over and over again, is that what makes our schools special is not the building, or the technology, or the trophies in the display cases. What makes our schools special are the people—the people that challenge the minds of our children, and provide a special learning environment be it in the classroom, the athletic field, the stage, on the bus or in the hallway. On behalf of our 6,706 students, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of our staff as they go to work each day, striving and hoping to make a difference.
American author Elbert Hubbard once said “The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher.” In the final analysis, our schools’ commitment towards preparing children who think, not just learn, is the greatest legacy of Columbus County Schools and its educators. Thank you for all that you do.
Please visit our website at www.columbus.k12.nc.us.
In my visits to the schools, I often see teachers providing support in emotional and academic ways. I see custodians providing caring supervision and child nutrition workers asking about a student’s well-being. I witness computer technicians assisting with a child’s question, and I see central office personnel working closely with teachers to maximize all learning opportunities. Maintenance workers cheerfully assist teachers with any need and our office support personnel answer three questions, give a child a band aid, and answer the phone all at the same time. Most of you have heard the expression “It takes a village to raise a child”. It also takes a village to teach a child, and all of our staff work hard every day to ensure that each child’s needs are met, be they physical, academic or emotional.
As the year draws to a close, I have had many thoughts about our school system, and the issues we have had with budgets. We would love to be able to put technology in its rightful place in the classroom, to make all of our classes small and have all students learning in brand new buildings. What I have discovered, over and over again, is that what makes our schools special is not the building, or the technology, or the trophies in the display cases. What makes our schools special are the people—the people that challenge the minds of our children, and provide a special learning environment be it in the classroom, the athletic field, the stage, on the bus or in the hallway. On behalf of our 6,706 students, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of our staff as they go to work each day, striving and hoping to make a difference.
American author Elbert Hubbard once said “The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher.” In the final analysis, our schools’ commitment towards preparing children who think, not just learn, is the greatest legacy of Columbus County Schools and its educators. Thank you for all that you do.
Please visit our website at www.columbus.k12.nc.us.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Budget Crunch
As you are aware, state budget shortfalls for the upcoming fiscal year will have an impact on our school system. The cause of this shortfall is simple: fewer people in North Carolina are buying fewer goods, thus generating 4.7 billion fewer dollars. There has been much contradictory information about the budget cuts, but with the likelihood that the house will pass its most recent budget proposal, the possible outcomes are coming in to focus.
First, the bad news:
Without intervention, our school system stands to lose 28 teachers and 38 support positions. This accounts for approximately 7% of our personnel.
Now, the good news:
We are confident, if budget projections hold true, that we can prevent most of these losses for the 09-10 school year.
Our school system believes firmly that people, not supplies or even buildings, are the heart of an effective school. Even with extreme budget cuts, it is hoped that our school system can preserve most faculty and staff positions by using Title I and Stimulus funds afforded to us by the federal government. This is a year-to-year proposition and not an ideal solution, but could help in the short term. Important in this discussion is the fact that an exact budget has not been passed by the state legislature, and final numbers will likely not be available until less than a month before school starts, so change is possible. While we will lose positions, our best analysis at this point is that job losses should be minimal.
How will saving these jobs help more than just teachers and students? The economy of Columbus County is tied intricately to the schools in Columbus County. Not only is education one of the top employers in the area, but new business and industry looks to the quality of our schools as a primary factor in relocating or starting a new business. In addition, lack of quality, engaging education has typically resulted in higher unemployment, lower productivity, and ultimately more crime. The economy and schools are heavily reliant on each other.
That does not mean that the budget crisis is over. We will be forced to make some tough choices in other areas, and there is always the possibility of further budget cuts before or after the fiscal year begins. The situation may be even more difficult next fiscal year. Every year is crucial in the education of a child, and our focus has to be providing the best possible education for our students now.
Fortunately, our county commissioners were able to keep our local funding maintained at last year’s level. If the revenue situation does not increase, then taxes on all levels will have to increase, even on the local level, just to maintain our present situation. Any citizen who is concerned about these issues should contact the North Carolina Legislature or Governor’s office immediately, as these decisions and the ensuing negotiations to resolve differences are fast approaching. There are tough times ahead for all of us; my aspiration is that we can work together so our children’s future can be as bright as ever.
Please visit our website at www.columbus.k12.nc.us and I invite your comments on my blog at drstrickland.blogspot.com.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
While I think we all enjoy the holidays, returning to school and the New Year is something exciting. Our high schools are preparing for a new semester, while the rest of our students are continuing with their studies. I want to share with you some exciting events that happened before and after the holidays.
As many of you know by now, all students must complete a graduation project before leaving high school. The goal of this project is to combine technology, literacy and previous knowledge into a product that is then presented to a board of reviewers. Students must possess interview and communication skills to successfully complete the project, and must present themselves with professionalism- all skills students needed in today’s marketplace. In December, the first presentations were given by students at each of the three high schools, and the projects were fantastic. One student collected 2000 books for students in South Africa; other students created their own video game, served as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, created biodiesel fuel, and published a school magazine; one student even demonstrated the shoeing of a horse by bringing a horse and giving a live demonstration. Each project involved many hours of research along with many more hours of consultations with an advisor. The final project was submitted orally to a panel that then provided feedback on the project. The students were motivated and involved, many in a way that they had not been before. This underscores a very important point about 21st century learners: students learn best when they are engaged, and they are engaged when they are actively creating. We realize that students can’t always work on subjects they are passionate about, but we know when we let teaching be more about doing, rather than listening, our students are going to succeed. Our goal is to create classrooms where all students are actively participating.
We received some exceptional news at the beginning of the year. West Columbus High School, and East Columbus High School were both in the top five “turnaround” high schools in the state! This means that these two schools showed more growth in high schools in turnaround status than almost any other in North Carolina. We are very proud of the faculty and staff at each of the schools; we are especially proud of the students. This is an achievement of remarkable proportions, and one of which every citizen in Columbus County should be proud.
As we begin a new year or a new semester, I hope that you feel, as I do, a renewed sense of commitment to the children in your community and their education. Now is the time to ask questions and ensure that every child is on the right track to go to the next level in his or her education. A new year always brings new challenges, but new opportunities; new issues, but also new resolutions. Let’s make this upcoming year the best yet for our schools and our children.
Please visit our website at www.columbus.k12.nc.us and I invite your comments on my blog at drstrickland.blogspot.com.
While I think we all enjoy the holidays, returning to school and the New Year is something exciting. Our high schools are preparing for a new semester, while the rest of our students are continuing with their studies. I want to share with you some exciting events that happened before and after the holidays.
As many of you know by now, all students must complete a graduation project before leaving high school. The goal of this project is to combine technology, literacy and previous knowledge into a product that is then presented to a board of reviewers. Students must possess interview and communication skills to successfully complete the project, and must present themselves with professionalism- all skills students needed in today’s marketplace. In December, the first presentations were given by students at each of the three high schools, and the projects were fantastic. One student collected 2000 books for students in South Africa; other students created their own video game, served as a volunteer at a homeless shelter, created biodiesel fuel, and published a school magazine; one student even demonstrated the shoeing of a horse by bringing a horse and giving a live demonstration. Each project involved many hours of research along with many more hours of consultations with an advisor. The final project was submitted orally to a panel that then provided feedback on the project. The students were motivated and involved, many in a way that they had not been before. This underscores a very important point about 21st century learners: students learn best when they are engaged, and they are engaged when they are actively creating. We realize that students can’t always work on subjects they are passionate about, but we know when we let teaching be more about doing, rather than listening, our students are going to succeed. Our goal is to create classrooms where all students are actively participating.
We received some exceptional news at the beginning of the year. West Columbus High School, and East Columbus High School were both in the top five “turnaround” high schools in the state! This means that these two schools showed more growth in high schools in turnaround status than almost any other in North Carolina. We are very proud of the faculty and staff at each of the schools; we are especially proud of the students. This is an achievement of remarkable proportions, and one of which every citizen in Columbus County should be proud.
As we begin a new year or a new semester, I hope that you feel, as I do, a renewed sense of commitment to the children in your community and their education. Now is the time to ask questions and ensure that every child is on the right track to go to the next level in his or her education. A new year always brings new challenges, but new opportunities; new issues, but also new resolutions. Let’s make this upcoming year the best yet for our schools and our children.
Please visit our website at www.columbus.k12.nc.us and I invite your comments on my blog at drstrickland.blogspot.com.
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