Principals: True Game-Changers

 

Ok.  I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, even to myself.  Here it is the latter part of October and I, like leaders throughout the nation (and world for that matter) am still grappling with decisions made and those that need to be made.  Admittedly, I am tired.

Tired or not, the learning continues and the leadership is more vital than ever. As this is the case, I am so grateful for the leadership of each of our principals.  They have been true game-changers during this pandemic.

Veteran principal, Dr. Doris Cureton, leads Knox elementary with tremendous energy and creativity.  I look forward to seeing the outcome of their Pumpkin Book Report Project where scholars will read and decorate a pumpkin as their favorite character.  Our scholars need fun, hands-on learning like this to remain engaged and excited about learning 

The Busy of Bees of Edgewood are led by Dr. Margaret Jones. Scholars are engaged in the Spooktober Reading Challenge this month. They are reading at least 20 books and taking tests for accuracy.  Winners will be rewarded with one of the best prizes ever, pizza!  I wonder if I can participate?

The Meadowview Lions had a blast last week during Tale Tellin’ with Arts Revive.  Principal Chemeria Evans ensures that scholars are reading, coding and celebrating excellence on a regular basis.  Their Attendance Matters campaign was an awesome way to engage families.

Scholars at The Clark Elementary School, led by Principal Dyphelia Thrash, are learning all about social justice.  What a perfect time in our nation’s history to learn about how young people can find and use their voice to make a difference in our community and beyond. 

Recently, I celebrated literacy in super hero fashion with third graders at Sophia P. Kingston.  Principal Tamera Nelson and her PAWsome team were on hand for this fun drive-through event.  Although a new principal, Mrs. Nelson is a Selma native and has been a key member of Team Selma for years and we are so pleased to support her as one of our amazing school leaders.

Last week, we bid congratulations to Payne Elementary’s principal Taurus Smith as she was promoted to a position at the Alabama State Department of Education.  We also welcomed Tamera Carter as the new lead learner for Payne.  Making a seamless transition looked easy as Mrs. Carter is also a Selma native and a leader on our Teaching and Learning Team.  Our Payne STEAM Academy is in great hands and we look forward to the continued progress under Carter’s leadership.

Our schools, scholars and this community are truly in good hands.  Next week, I will celebrate our remaining game-changing principals and also share our next steps in our reopening process.  In the meantime, please continue to check out our website and social media outlets for updates.  Families, please check with your child’s teacher and school for the most up-to-date information.  Team Selma appreciates your support.

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