From the Superintendent's Desk

The Week of September 25, 2009

This week got started on a high note with Saturday morning’s “Reading on the Square” event, sponsored by the Charleston Literacy Roundtable. Local mayors and legislators- including Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, CCSD staff and I joined dozens of volunteers, parents and community partners on Marion Square to celebrate the joy of reading.  Hundreds of books were donated, and families and children enjoyed storytelling, raffles, book-themed face painting and many other activities.  I thank everyone who helped to make this event possible—especially the parents and children who spent time with us.

It has never been more important that we teach children how to read and write at the highest of standards. This means high-quality teaching and extra time and help for students—the pillars of this year’s strategic vision—but it also means working collaboratively as a district, reaching out to parents and community members to improve children’s reading and writing skills.  All of these themes speak to our core values and goals—who we are and what we do as a district.

Our success will depend on what we do today, and how we plan for the future.  Last week, I mentioned my trip to visit Career Academies in Florida.  These academies—so essential to preparing students for the 21st Century economy—are a major component of the “Four Zone” vision that we are brainstorming as a possible future state of the district.  I shared this idea at the Board Workshop on Monday, and discussed it with a group of North Charleston community and business leaders Wednesday.  The concept is to ensure that wherever a family lives in the district, they have equal access to a wide range of appealing, high-quality school choices.  In each zone, we would see exciting options designed to motivate and prepare every student for the global economy. 

Currently, we are doing a lot of early discussion and planning around this idea—still in draft phase—and I encourage you to email me your thoughts.  I also urge you to come out and visit with us during our Town Hall meetings this Fall.  The first one is this Tuesday, at the Lincoln High School cafeteria, and you can see the full schedule here.  Have a great week!  

-Dr. Nancy J. McGinley