RCPS opens the 08-09 Year with Convocation
August 25, 2008
A great and exciting convocation occurred this am at the new special events center in Roanoke. While the message was realistic, the mood was clearly upbeat. Many accomplishments over the last year were listed and eight goals for the coming year were outlined. The “rule book” found in No Child Left Behind was uniformly slammed for many well known legislative deficits and a promise was made by all in attendance to work together as a team to get every school accredited this year.
I have placed this post on the left side of my page- the “feel good side”, the tell a great story about Roanoke side, the feel proud about Roanoke side- for many reasons that were evident at convocation. We have a unique and diverse school system offering a special experience and preparation for life not found anywhere else in the valley, we have strong attention to our growing arts/music/athletics/dance and many other extracurricular programs, we have increased teacher morale and retention, we have growing language programs, an exciting relationship with Virginia Western Community College on many fronts, and expanded gifted programs- especially in our middle schools. But perhaps the biggest feel good story today, to me, was a sense of anger.
Both School Board Chair David Carson and Superintendent Rita Bishop made it clear that they were tired of RCPS being the constant focus of negativity and pessimism with little attention given to its growing attributes and great qualities. Part of my goal with this blog, as a citizen and certainly as a council member, is to show off the many positives in Roanoke not just to outsiders but to those who chose to live here. To help people see the many great things about our city and to talk proudly about these things openly on the streets to others. This was the clear message from RCPS this am: be proud, talk proud and don’t take the negativity sitting down.
Everyone recognizes there is much work to be done, many problems left and a long way to go- but the fact is our public school system, our teachers, our students, all the staff and our school board are doing the work. This is a great Roanoke story with an even greater finish to come and one that should make us all proud.
What are your thoughts?
The overage Academy already has a waiting list. This will be a huge success!
There is no doubt that negativity is a chronic disease and it’s highly contagious. News like this is the cure…thanks for passing it on, and I will do the same!