Our city will be hosting two major events this week. First, on Thursday night, out at the Cleveland County Club the Boys and Girls Club will be hosting one of their annual events called “Empowering Women”. The event gets underway at 7:00 PM. This event will host Jenna Bush Hager (daughter of President George W. Bush). I have been working with chairperson and organizer Janey Cooke. Ms. Cooke says that deserving women will be honored throughout the evening. The mission is to bring more awareness into the community that younger women need strong female role models. We may even have a surprise for a special young woman from Cleveland City Schools…Hmmmmm….. Read More

This week we celebrate our Graduates of Distinction at 5ive Points Museum Thursday night. One of the most important moments of this banquet will be when the graduates have the opportunity to recognize the one educator that made the most difference in their lives. We all have that one educator. For me, it was Mrs. Herndon, my first grade teacher at Cedar Bluff Elementary School in Richlands, VA. I was six years old when I entered her class, and I vividly remember how much I loved going to her class. Reflecting back, one of Mrs. Herdon’s strengths was when I did not do things correctly, or I missed something, she did not make me feel bad, but helped me correct it. I also remember her smile and her welcoming attitude. She allowed us to love being at school, and made school a safe place where we could miss a question and have the opportunity to make it right. I loved her class. She was simply awesome! Another vivid memory was how quick she was to contact my parents when little Martin did not do as he was asked. I can still remember exactly where the classroom was, where I sat, where we placed our stuff, and where I stood in line for the water fountain. That was 36 years ago, but the lessons I learned then helped shape me to be a firm believer in teaching, and a firm believer in public education. Mrs. Herndon loved us, cared for us, and held us accountable for our actions. The cool thing is we all have a Mrs. Herndon. Who is yours? Have you shared how much that person has influenced you? This week, some of our students get the opportunity to tell their distinguished educator their thoughts and I truly believe it will be a moment they cherish. Read More

Welcome back from Spring Break. We have a couple of four day work weeks as we pause at the conclusion of this Thursday to take Friday and Monday off as we celebrate Good Friday and the Easter holiday. As we enter April, and then May, we begin to realize that these next two months are the end of the school year! We have EOC’s, TCAP’s, Banquets, Retirement Receptions, Awards Assemblies, Dances, and let’s not forget the Prom! Read More

At the conclusion of the workday this Friday, March 23, 2012, we take a pause for Spring Break. Spring Break is defined as a recess from school and from studying. Spring Break is recognized in the United States, Canada, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Numerous events occur during Spring Break including family trips to the beach, Gatlinburg, or other popular destinations. Others choose to remain locally and relax with time around the house or on an area river or lake. Whatever your choice for next week, please take time for your families and enjoy yourself. Have some fun, unwind, and breathe in this warm weather we are experiencing. I know the students get excited for Spring Break, but I also sense that the faculty and staff are welcoming this pause as well. You have earned this time, so smile big and enjoy the week off. Read More

(I will preface this Director’s Moment by saying these views are simply my own passionate opinion)

As we continue our educational reforming in the age of technology, we must keep our “eyes on the ball” when we make decisions that help educate our students for the future. Here is what we know: The digital age will bring us virtual classrooms with textbooks on tablets such as iPads and Nooks. Smart phones already have access to the textbooks, social media and blogs. All aspects of the educational system such as testing, grading, grade books, and lesson plans will be completed and handled virtually (already here in some school systems). Social Media (like Facebook, Twitter, etc…) will drive the educational markets. The wild thing is that most of our students are ready for it, but are we? Read More