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.