From school system news release
All Halifax County Schools staff members gathered at Davie Middle School on Wednesday to gear up for what Superintendent Dr. Elease Frederick hailed as “a great new school year.”
Teachers and staff returned with the good news that improved academic growth did positively impact the district last school year. The message they enthusiastically supported is that this school year will see even more improvement.
School starts for students on Wednesday, Aug. 25.
Frederick told the assemblage of nearly 500 staff members, “Welcome back for an outstanding school year. I believe in you and thank you for the jobs you are doing for the boys and girls of Halifax County.
She reminded staff members that this is a year of transition with the district as educational opportunities for students is improved and increased. “We are on the move,” she asserted.
Frederick, whose motto is “Working Together Works”, exhorted all staff members to work together for the good of the children – work in teams, work across the aisle, and work with all stakeholders and partners.
In addition to each school’s team working in close collaboration, Frederick reminded everyone that the central office team and the Department of Public Instruction are in place to be utilized. “If you something, speak up,” she said.
She also called on all staff members to establish stronger ties with parents, the community, and local businesses to raise higher expectations and improve student learning.
“We must work together as a team,” said Frederick. “We must build relationships with your students and we must communicate with all stakeholders.”
Frederick also said, “Our focus is on literacy. That means that every one of you is now a reading teacher, no matter what your job description says.”
She cited the successes from last year: The graduation rate improved by more than 15 percent, academic achievement increased by over three percent, seven of the district’s 11 schools showed academic improvement, five schools achieved above the 50th percentile, three schools met expected growth criteria, and Southeast Halifax High School had a dramatic gain of over 10 points academically.
“Good things are happening in Halifax County Schools,” said Frederick. “We can be the best. We can and we shall increase student achievement. Our students deserve the best and you deserve the best.
“We will do great things this year,” Frederick asserted. “From good to great is our goal. And working together does work.”
Dr. Donna Hunter, chairwoman for the Halifax County Board of Education, also welcomed the district’s employees back with a message to keep fighting for the students. “We know our students can learn,” she said, “and we have the staff in place to make excellence happen.”
She encouraged all staff members to work more closely with parents and the community and to “give 150 percent cooperation” to DPI. “The Halifax County Board of Education will be with you every step of the way,” Hunter said.
The featured speaker for convocation was Dr. Ervin Griffin, president of Halifax Community College. His message was, “The best is yet to come for Halifax County Schools.” Griffin reminded the staff that “we need to be excellent in everything we do.”
He took the staff on journey through a list of “laws” that would help everyone maintain excellence in all aspects of their lives, from professional to personal.
Other speakers or performers for HCS 2010 back to school convocation were Archie McLeod III (music), Teacher of the Year Teicher Patterson (facilitator), Teacher Assistant of the Year Mary Edmonds (invocation), Northwest Halifax High School’s JROTC (pledge and posting of colors), Pamela Jones-Richardson (musical selection), HCS Principals’ Association President Allen Sledge (roll call of schools), Davie Principal Dennis Carrington (welcome), HCS Principal of the Year Bettie Archibald (introduction of speaker), HCS Association of Educational Office Professionals president Tawanda Hill (words of appreciation), Linda Ransom and Archie McLeod III (musical selection), Personnel Director Dr. Farrell Young (introduction of new staff members), DPI Station Chief Catherine Brooks (introduction of DPI staff), Vice-Chairman of the HCS School Board Tyus Few, Finance Officer Charlene Jones, Assistant Superintendent Charles Chambliss, and Assistant Superintendent Tyrana Battle
