By Any Means Necessary

 

As we close out the month of October, I want to continue to lift up and celebrate the amazing leaders of the Team Selma’s schools.  This month is National Principals Month.  Although I appreciate our selfless school leaders on a daily basis, this month gives us an opportunity to thank each of them and to recognize the important role that they play in improving outcomes for our scholars and their families. 

The School of Discovery is such a fantastic school.  This year, our 6^th graders are being led by Mr. Jason Munford.  Under his leadership, our SOD Eagles have embraced remote learning and continued to soar.  This week, they are celebrating Red Ribbon Week and scholars pledge to “Be happy.  Be brave.  Be drug free.”  It will be an incredible week from Career Day and a Pink Out to Say Boo to Drugs. 

Our scholars at R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy are some trend-setters in many ways.  Leading our region in restorative practices, robotics and coding, Principal Cicely Curtis sets the bar high as she leads with excellence.  Under her leadership, routine tasks such as morning announcements become an engaging learning experience where scholars have a voice and are pushed to STEAM for excellence.

Last and certainly not least, Saints Nation is led by Mr. Stoney Pritchett.  I love his “by any means necessary” approach towards educating and supporting our scholars.  He and his team understand the power of forging positive relationships that prepare our scholars for a successful future.  Mr. Pritchett’s vison has ensured that our Saints have unprecedented opportunities to excel in career and technical education, athletics and leadership.

Principals matter.  This month and every month, I appreciate the contribution that these stellar leaders make in our schools and community.  Second only to an effective teacher, principal leadership is a primary factor that has been proven to support improved academic outcomes in our schools.  Join me in keeping our leaders lifted up as we continue to make decisions during this pandemic.

These decisions include a recent recommendation to begin our Phase II Return to Excellence Reopening Plan on November 9^th.  This plan will allow for voluntary, targeted intervention and tutoring aimed at supporting our most vulnerable scholars and those who are seeking additional academic support.  Please join us on Wednesday October 28 at 5:30 to learn more about what to expect as move into Phase II.

During this virtual Chat and Chew meeting, I will share details from our plan and answer questions.  As always, my goal is to ensure that we continue to prioritize the safety and health of our staff, scholars and families.  With flu season approaching, we will continue to be intentional in our efforts and look forward to partnering with the community and our families. 

Check our website and social media outlets for ongoing updates and information on this week’s Chat.  Thanks for supporting Team Selma!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org