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.