Editor, Commonwealth:
Are we ready for consolidation? Most of our teachers, principals and superintendents will say “yes” because of the form of teaching they are doing in their schools.
The Greenwood School District’s teaching model is called “The Explicit Direct Instruction, Strategies to Assist With Facilitating Student Learning.” This is where the students use iPads and Chromebooks to extend their use of technology to increase their future success in meeting the global competition.
This is one goal the Greenwood School District has in place. The other is the mission of the school district, and that mission is to improve student achievement so that all students are prepared to compete in a global society with a focus on teaching and learning.
The Leflore County School District uses the Gradual Release Model form of teaching, and it also follows the same guidelines of getting students ready for a global market of technology with the use of iPads.
As far as consolidation, first I would look at the infrastructure of our schools. Yes, that means the condition of each school. Do they need to be painted? Are the roofs in need of repair? Do tiles need to be replaced?
Other school districts that are in line to be consolidated will come and see our schools and how they look. So let’s look the part of a new school era. It starts from the outside to the inside.
Can we get there before consolidation? The campus of each school should be of one I am proud to attend. This is a new beginning, so our schools should look like a new beginning.
Public relations will play a big part in our transformation, and I am confident in our public relations specialist in the Greenwood schools, Margaret Dean. Need I say more?
Mrs. Dean has been that person who has been getting out the word, the news of where we are headed and what our school plans are. Not only that, she lets us know what is needed of us, the parents and the community. If you have not gotten one of the school newsletters, which are issued every quarter, then you must get one this quarter.
This letter is to our parents and our community. Our schools are what the parents and community make them to be.
Carl Winters
Greenwood
