From the Superintendent's Desk - October 19, 2012
Good afternoon everyone,
We are in the midst of another highly competitive high school football season and many of our teams are firing on all cylinders as they head into the playoffs. One team in particular has a big game ahead of them this evening and that’s the Wando High School Warriors who are 8-0. They are gearing up to battle the number one team in the state -- the Goose Creek Gators who are also 8-0. This should be a great game between two great football programs, but we all hope the Warriors will prevail! Go Warriors, beat Goose Creek!
I want to make sure everyone knows it is National Principals’ Month. I would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to every CCSD principal in the district. Our principals wear many different hats and sometimes they are asked to be instructional leaders, building managers, coaches, cheerleaders, and guidance counselors – all in one day! They are remarkable individuals. The contributions they make to the district are both immense and long lasting. Please, please, make sure to “thank” your principal. Speaking of principals, we wish we had a picture of Francine Mitchell riding a motorcycle on the campus to create excitement for students and staff who participated in the first annual Boosterthon Fun Run at James B Edwards Elementary School. The run was organized by the PTO. Not only did the run raise money for the school – it promotes fitness, leadership and character. Kudos to the parents, staff and their high-energy excellent leader!
Speaking of contributions and recognizing the stellar work of all our employees, I spent Monday morning meeting with nine high-flying employees at my monthly Superintendent’s Breakfast. Craig Bennett, Rebecca Brady, Bobbie Grant, Richardine Chaplin, Karen Felder, Ali Hill, Cheryl McDowell, Amy Neloms, and Ednie Rivera are prime examples of what Vision 2016 is all about and embody the phrase, “All Means All.”
That same morning, I attended the annual White Cane Day event in Marion Square that celebrates the masterful achievements of blind and visually impaired people across the nation. Supporting our students with disabilities is critical to success of the entire district. To everyone who helped organize this event – Thank you!
Monday was also the first day for our new Executive Director of Strategy and Communications, Mrs. Erica Taylor. Erica is the former Director of University Relations and Marketing at SC State University and comes to the district with extensive marketing, publicity and media related experience. She is a Charleston native and a product of CCSD, having attended Buist Academy and Academic Magnet High School. In addition, Erica’s mother, Janetha Wright-Prioleau is a CCSD educator so Erica brings a unique perspective to the Strategy and Communications office. I am thrilled to welcome Mrs. Taylor to our team. The knowledge and skills that she has built while working at SC State University will be a great and immediate asset to our students, parents, and staff.
She is eager to learn more about the district and is interested in hearing directly from you on how the Office of Strategy and Communications can be improved. Please send her an e-mail with any suggestions and feedback. Learn more about Mrs. Taylor.
On Monday night, I met with our Teacher Roundtable group at Burke High School where we discussed the Studer Evaluation (performance management system) and Sharpschool (school-based website and learning management system). As always -- these roundtable meetings provide me a wealth of information and great food for thought.
In other positive news around the district, Ms. Barbara Hairfield, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist was recently selected as the National Social Studies Supervisor of the year for 2012 – 2013! This is a wonderful honor for Barbara and I am confident she will represent the district superbly when she receives her award at the national conference in Seattle, Washington
As you know, the month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the first time in recent memory – CCSD will honor all who have been impacted by the disease by asking all employees to wear PINK on Thursday, October 25, 2012. In addition to wearing PINK, I am asking all schools and departments to collect funds which will be donated to the local Susan G. Komen Foundation affiliate. I will personally match the amount raised by the school or department that raises the most through employee contributions. All donations should be sent to James Martin at Bridge View by Wednesday October 31, 2012.
Lastly, don’t forget tomorrow’s School Choice Fair at Burke High School from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. If you cannot attend the fair, please take a few moments to watch our recently posted School Choice video. It contains important information about the many school choice options available for CCSD parents.
Thank you for your continued partnership, and until next week…..
-Dr. Nancy J. McGinley
