WHEN VISION BECOMES EXPECTATION

What a week in education this past week. I attended a School Board meeting for JMCSS and they had school board appreciation at this meeting. This was highlighted by principals and students preparing and principals presenting each of the members with a gift basket as a gesture of how much they are appreciated for what they do for students and education. The city of Jackson Mayor Scott Conger and Madison County Mayor A.J. Massey were on hand to present the board with a joint proclamation for the city and county’s appreciation for what they do.

The presentation of colors was by Liberty Tech’s Air Force JROTC. There was a performance by Northeast Middle Choir which was outstanding and received a standing ovation from the full house in attendance for this meeting. There were art displays from Isaac Lane elementary around the room. My favorite was the student that read from his essay from “Do the Write Thing,” and was one of the National Ambassadors and presented each of the school board members with a bound copy of the essays, which are also in the Library of Congress. It is my distinct pleasure to attend a school board meeting these days.

In my humble opinion, the newly elected school board members are making a smooth transition to lead the district forward. A continuation of their adopted motto: #BBAM (Best by any measure). Under the guidance of Superintendent Dr. Marlon King, when the school board talks about getting things done, the community, city, county, and business leaders are watching with expectation and taking opportunities to support and assist in raising the bar for education at JMCSS.

Pope school is moving forward and there was discussion about the Hub City Central Complex. What was once “Trust the Process,” not too long ago, has taken the vision and turned it into results with the prospect of fulfilled expectations, as the best is yet to come. However, this era of cooperation needs to continue in order to change the culture and perpetuate success! Around the District

The majority of the substitute teaching that I do currently is in Gibson County.

Sigmas Donate

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Nu Iota Sigma Chapter donated several boxes of personal hygiene supplies to RIFA this past weekend. Photo left to

Brother Jermaine Shaw, Brother Kenny Caldwell, RIFA Executive Director Ms. Lisa Tillman, Brother Shannon Boyd, and Brother Ralph Springfield

There is a difference in the rural setting as opposed to the urban-like setting in Madison County. I attended a district basketball game at Gibson County HS with playoff ramifications and was impressed by the support of the students and parents of the home team as the girls’ game was no contest but the boys’ game was a one-point thriller. Unfortunately, the home team did not prevail, but even with a large crowd in attendance, everyone conducted themselves civilly as both teams displayed good sportsmanship after the game. Parents, your children are watching what you do and student athletes keep in mind that your classmates not only support you but they look to emulate your behavior. As an educator, nothing pleases me more than to watch a student handle themselves with character and distinction. I take no credit, but I sure do like to see it on display outside the classroom.

As a sidebar note, there were two groups at the Jackson Madison County school board meeting that were displaying signs both for and against charter schools. Public schools have been developing engineers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, civic, state, and national leaders in business, industry, and in politics. I spoke with a retired school teacher that had taught in this area for 34 years and was making 46,000 annually when she retired. I don’t care what sector of professionalism you prescribe to, that is dedication. Teachers need some appreciation too.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”—Dr. Martin

Luther King

Don Polley | Education contributor (Contact don@donpolley.com)