1 00:00:25,230 --> 00:00:54,550 On Friday night, it takes preparation. Play hard, play smart, play together. Focus. They're going to be a long game. It's 48 minutes. Discipline. We want to get Molly got every single play. And perseverance. You got to play for each other. You got to believe in each other. You got to believe in yourself. This school year, we're stepping up to help students achieve at a higher level. You just got to keep on playing the game. We're ready to win big. Let's go win the game. 2 00:01:11,810 --> 00:01:14,630 in county schools. It's Jamon. 3 00:01:36,710 --> 00:01:40,390 Hello, guests of Canada Schools, and welcome to a brand-new school year. 4 00:01:41,010 --> 00:01:48,310 We know that you are excited and ready, and we know that you have the skill and determination to make this year our best yet. 5 00:01:49,370 --> 00:01:59,610 As employees, you are an important part of the team. It's a big team of more than 3,800 people, and all of you have answered the call to work in public education 6 00:01:59,610 --> 00:02:03,130 and to be of service to students and their families. 7 00:02:04,070 --> 00:02:06,570 There is so much energy in our schools right now. 8 00:02:06,790 --> 00:02:08,270 I know you're feeling it. 9 00:02:08,450 --> 00:02:10,970 And I know you are channeling our shared commitment 10 00:02:10,970 --> 00:02:14,750 to fostering a welcoming, innovative, supportive, 11 00:02:15,190 --> 00:02:18,610 and fun environment where every student can learn and grow 12 00:02:18,610 --> 00:02:21,930 while enjoying everything that school has to offer. 13 00:02:22,630 --> 00:02:24,970 I will be back in a few minutes to share more with you. 14 00:02:25,110 --> 00:02:27,530 But now, it's time for our first quarter 15 00:02:27,530 --> 00:02:32,550 with Gaston County Principal of the Year, Dr. Jessica Mellon, from W.A.P. Greer 16 00:02:32,550 --> 00:02:32,890 Member. 17 00:02:33,290 --> 00:02:37,070 In spite of all, the first quarter is all about building momentum, establishing an early 18 00:02:37,070 --> 00:02:40,190 lead, managing the clock, and having no turnovers. 19 00:02:40,690 --> 00:02:43,770 Collin coincidental, but that really is what we strive to do. 20 00:02:44,030 --> 00:02:46,810 We want to come out of the gate strong with lots of energy. 21 00:02:47,190 --> 00:02:50,910 We want to get a jump start on building relationships, so quality teaching and learning 22 00:02:50,910 --> 00:02:55,690 can take place, and we want to get off to a good start with many victories to carry us through 23 00:02:55,690 --> 00:02:59,490 entire year, with no time for funbels or interceptions. 24 00:03:00,150 --> 00:03:05,250 Now, I could talk for hours about the great things happening here at WP Grim Middle School. 25 00:03:05,790 --> 00:03:11,390 Our new building, our new steam academy, and our new approach to ensuring higher student performance, 26 00:03:12,050 --> 00:03:15,550 our contributing to our success, and I could not be more proud. 27 00:03:16,010 --> 00:03:19,830 I'm also very proud of what's happening across guests and county schools. 28 00:03:20,530 --> 00:03:25,190 We've experienced winning ways in many areas, including Battle of the Books, 29 00:03:25,190 --> 00:03:27,750 The science and engineering fair, robotics, 30 00:03:28,370 --> 00:03:31,990 the spelling bee, bands, course, and the fine arts, 31 00:03:32,670 --> 00:03:35,070 JROTC and career and technical education. 32 00:03:35,690 --> 00:03:37,870 We've also had state championships and sports, 33 00:03:38,170 --> 00:03:40,530 including golf, wrestling, cheerleading, 34 00:03:40,810 --> 00:03:44,510 track-and-field, and basketball, plus many conference and regional titles. 35 00:03:45,670 --> 00:03:50,050 Without question, our students are winning through various academic, athletic, 36 00:03:50,870 --> 00:03:54,290 leadership, and extracurricular activity that are provided for them 37 00:03:54,290 --> 00:04:08,150 In the classroom, our educators are winning with instructional coaching, reviewing data, and working in professional learning communities to enhance collaboration and ensure that teaching is consistent, relevant and aligned to the standards. 38 00:04:09,010 --> 00:04:17,170 We want to have the best school year possible, and with each of you on the Gaston County Schools team, we will leave it all on the court and emerge as winners. 39 00:04:17,170 --> 00:04:25,410 In the second quarter, is important for football players to maintain rhythm, bolster the lead, and make adjustments. 40 00:04:26,490 --> 00:04:29,170 That sounds a lot like what's done in our schools. 41 00:04:30,670 --> 00:04:34,830 To experience a productive school year, we know that it requires a playbook, 42 00:04:35,490 --> 00:04:39,850 daily preparation, and the ability to push through the challenging times. 43 00:04:39,850 --> 00:04:44,210 Last spring, Gaston County Schools adopted a new strategic plan. 44 00:04:44,830 --> 00:04:51,170 It is our playbook for the next five years, which guides our focus, our work, and our decision-making. 45 00:04:51,430 --> 00:05:00,790 The strategic plan includes our vision, mission, and core values as well as six areas that are identified as priorities for Gaston County Schools. 46 00:05:01,010 --> 00:05:09,070 I'd like to highlight our priorities for you, and if you haven't had a chance to review our new strategic plan, I encourage you to do so by visiting our website. 47 00:05:09,650 --> 00:05:17,050 Academics and Higher Student Achievement must be our top priority. We want to motivate students through high-quality instruction 48 00:05:17,050 --> 00:05:19,910 so that they can achieve all of their goals. 49 00:05:20,610 --> 00:05:25,890 With the recent focus on budgets, financial stewardship has emerged as a crucial priority. 50 00:05:26,510 --> 00:05:28,930 I will talk more about the budget in just a moment, 51 00:05:29,350 --> 00:05:34,210 but we have realized that we must be strategic and how we use our financial resources. 52 00:05:34,210 --> 00:05:43,490 We are committed to maintaining our operational systems, including technology, in a way that is efficient and provides a safe environment. 53 00:05:44,270 --> 00:05:50,250 We are also committed to supporting the well-being of our students even when resources have become limited. 54 00:05:51,330 --> 00:05:56,230 Effective communication practices and community partners are crucial to our success. 55 00:05:56,230 --> 00:06:11,650 We need to support our community now more than ever, and with our community support, we can build a workplace culture where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to do the very important work of Gassy County Schools. 56 00:06:12,450 --> 00:06:24,210 The school budget has been a challenge for some time. The loss of code and low-well funds coupled with inflation and no additional financial resources forced us to make difficult decisions. 57 00:06:24,970 --> 00:06:30,730 Most notably, our workforce is smaller and you are very aware of it. 58 00:06:30,970 --> 00:06:34,370 We have fewer employees to serve the same number of students. 59 00:06:35,030 --> 00:06:40,770 I want you to know that I share your frustration and I regret that we are facing financial 60 00:06:40,770 --> 00:06:41,490 constraints. 61 00:06:42,190 --> 00:06:46,090 It is a serious problem that is hurting school districts across the state. 62 00:06:47,170 --> 00:06:52,770 I know that your jobs aren't easy and that you are taking an extra work to keep our schools 63 00:06:52,770 --> 00:06:53,210 running. 64 00:06:53,210 --> 00:06:59,310 I also know they are reaching the point where without more staff, we simply cannot operate 65 00:06:59,310 --> 00:07:00,710 like in previous years. 66 00:07:01,370 --> 00:07:04,770 It is disheartening and again I feel in your frustration. 67 00:07:06,350 --> 00:07:10,310 So please hear me when I say thank you. 68 00:07:10,890 --> 00:07:15,490 Thank you for the early mornings, long after news, and late nights. 69 00:07:15,890 --> 00:07:19,750 Thank you for agreeing to take on other responsibilities. 70 00:07:19,750 --> 00:07:25,990 Thank you for putting forth extra energy even when you feel like you can't give any more. 71 00:07:26,490 --> 00:07:29,290 And thank you for the hard work it takes to ensure our... 72 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:35,960 Our students are receiving the education they need. I will continue to work with the Board of Education 73 00:07:35,960 --> 00:07:44,280 as we advocate for more school funding. Our schools deserve it. Our educated deserve it, and 74 00:07:44,280 --> 00:07:50,940 most important are students deserve it. Since I became superintendent, we've put much energy and effort 75 00:07:50,940 --> 00:07:56,740 into improving student achievement. We know the pandemic wreaked havoc on teaching and learning, 76 00:07:56,740 --> 00:08:02,100 And it has been difficult for gas to county schools to overcome the effects of learning loss. 77 00:08:02,820 --> 00:08:07,580 While I cannot share specifics with you right now, since test results won't be released until September. 78 00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:13,520 I'm happy to tell you that our overall student performance in growth data is showing upward trends. 79 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:23,880 We are seeing steady and significant gains in reading, math, science, and overall academic growth. 80 00:08:23,880 --> 00:08:30,100 This is very encouraging, and it reflects the work you have done in our classrooms over the past year. 81 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:38,040 Collectively, you accepted the challenge to embrace change. You welcomed the opportunity to look at teaching and learning 82 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:44,840 differently, and you put strategies in place to move the needle. I am proud of what has been done 83 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:51,800 and despite the budget other challenges we faced, you have made it happen. You made it happen in your classrooms, 84 00:08:51,800 --> 00:08:54,300 and you made it happen for our students. 85 00:08:55,240 --> 00:08:58,520 So in September, we will begin celebrating what you have achieved 86 00:08:58,520 --> 00:09:03,040 and I cannot wait to share with everyone what has been happening 87 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:07,540 in gas and county schools when it comes to improved academic achievement. 88 00:09:09,060 --> 00:09:14,660 Gas and county schools is built on the shared belief that all students can learn and succeed. 89 00:09:15,400 --> 00:09:20,100 I want to say in advance how much I appreciate what you will do to support our students 90 00:09:20,100 --> 00:09:26,400 in the year ahead. Thank you for making a commitment now to follow in the playbook. Prepare 91 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:33,020 for each day with intent and purpose, and keep moving forward, even during difficult situations. 92 00:09:33,800 --> 00:09:40,960 Famed football coach Vince Lombardi said, individual commitment to a group effort. That is what 93 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:46,600 makes a teamwork. Whether you're returning player or a rookie joining our team for the first time, 94 00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:50,400 your commitment is the driving force behind our success. 95 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:54,020 The best teams in sports do not win by accident. 96 00:09:54,720 --> 00:09:58,300 They achieve at higher levels because of preparation and practice, 97 00:09:59,060 --> 00:10:03,760 knowing the plays that work and relying on teamwork to cross the finish line. 98 00:10:04,700 --> 00:10:07,720 So, it is ready, set, go. 99 00:10:08,460 --> 00:10:11,200 The new school year is here and we are excited. 100 00:10:11,860 --> 00:10:15,260 Let's take the field together with a passion for public education 101 00:10:15,260 --> 00:10:20,160 and an unwavering commitment to all students in gas and county schools. 102 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:22,820 No game is complete without the halftime show. 103 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:25,600 So here's yours. I present you the Southwood High School March event. 104 00:11:16,910 --> 00:11:21,430 But half of the Board of Education, I want to welcome everyone to a new school year and say 105 00:11:21,430 --> 00:11:27,050 how much we appreciate our students, employees, families and community partners. 106 00:11:27,550 --> 00:11:33,350 It really takes all of us working together as a team to make school happen each and every day. 107 00:11:33,350 --> 00:11:38,990 The students in the marching band would tell you that teamwork ranks at the top of the list 108 00:11:38,990 --> 00:11:41,590 when it comes to putting on a great performance. 109 00:11:42,310 --> 00:11:47,430 Like the marching band, our teachers and staff have to be team players and bring leadership, 110 00:11:47,970 --> 00:11:50,170 talent, and energy to our classrooms. 111 00:11:51,290 --> 00:11:56,170 I'm extremely confident in our employability to give us a school year filled with meaningful 112 00:11:56,170 --> 00:11:57,250 teaching and learning. 113 00:11:57,250 --> 00:12:03,430 The Board of Education extends our best wishes to you for a productive and successful year. 114 00:12:03,790 --> 00:12:07,230 We want to thank you for being a part of Gaston County Schools team. 115 00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:34,100 My greatest success or achievement has been how well I think I've learned to communicate with people 116 00:12:34,100 --> 00:12:40,960 and just better become myself overall as a person and step up as a leader 117 00:12:40,960 --> 00:12:47,400 on not only in school grounds, but sports wise and class wise as well. 118 00:12:47,700 --> 00:12:51,700 I'm ready for my future. I'm ready to take the next step at the same time. 119 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:55,980 But I know there's this school is really what. 120 00:12:56,240 --> 00:13:00,600 This staff, these students are really what helped me to become the first time I am today. 121 00:13:01,260 --> 00:13:03,760 I feel like if you don't know how to work any tools or 122 00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:06,700 be able to do anything, it's hard to do that. I'm not a lie for it. 123 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:08,960 If you want to help somebody out, it's hard to do that as well. 124 00:13:08,960 --> 00:13:14,040 It's often like it's important to take these classes in high school, so if you graduate and you don't want to do 125 00:13:14,040 --> 00:13:18,000 carpentry, or anything like that, and you graduate, you'll still know how to work with the tools in the back. 126 00:13:18,340 --> 00:13:22,040 You're learning something new, you're trying to use in the future. 127 00:13:22,680 --> 00:13:30,620 Being in band to me, has been able to create a family with the people around me and truly create 128 00:13:30,620 --> 00:13:34,760 these relationships with my peers that truly can't be created anywhere else. 129 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:36,620 In a typical learning, you'll probably 130 00:13:36,620 --> 00:13:40,480 the teacher will ask a question, you answer, and move on. 131 00:13:40,760 --> 00:13:42,800 But in a paedaya seminar, when you're in a circle, 132 00:13:43,980 --> 00:13:46,440 the teacher will ask a question, but as soon as 133 00:13:46,440 --> 00:13:48,640 one person answers, it doesn't stop. 134 00:13:48,920 --> 00:13:51,820 You have this, we get to see other people's answers too. 135 00:13:52,300 --> 00:13:54,700 In kindergarten, I was really shy, 136 00:13:55,220 --> 00:13:57,420 but paedaya helped me. 137 00:13:57,580 --> 00:14:00,840 So now, in third grade, I feel like I'm less shy, 138 00:14:00,840 --> 00:14:05,040 because of my day, like I had to talk. 139 00:14:05,520 --> 00:14:08,420 I think it helped me learn more 140 00:14:08,420 --> 00:14:11,440 because I can see from other people's perspectives. 141 00:14:12,220 --> 00:14:14,060 I'm glad that I was giving the opportunity 142 00:14:14,060 --> 00:14:17,700 to do this in the first place because I feel like 143 00:14:17,700 --> 00:14:19,220 I found a group of people were like, 144 00:14:19,220 --> 00:14:22,380 I can just be myself without worrying about being judged. 145 00:14:22,520 --> 00:14:23,740 I feel like there's a lot of opportunities 146 00:14:23,740 --> 00:14:24,720 to get from it. 147 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:27,120 I didn't really have much experience with agriculture, 148 00:14:27,120 --> 00:14:32,140 but I feel like now that I've taken the class, 149 00:14:32,340 --> 00:14:33,420 I feel like I have more opportunities 150 00:14:33,420 --> 00:14:35,060 and I can get more jobs in the future. 151 00:14:35,740 --> 00:14:40,020 I like how I'm able to show my sony what I've learned 152 00:14:40,020 --> 00:14:45,120 at home and be able to express how much I love music. 153 00:14:45,340 --> 00:14:46,800 Well, I've always been interested in guitar, 154 00:14:47,020 --> 00:14:48,620 so I thought it was cool to take a class 155 00:14:48,620 --> 00:14:49,700 and that the school offered it. 156 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:53,920 It's definitely helped me be more confident and get out of my show. 157 00:14:54,120 --> 00:14:56,340 You get to be someone you never thought you could be, 158 00:14:56,340 --> 00:14:59,980 and it just gives you more opportunities in school and out of it. 159 00:15:00,720 --> 00:15:01,280 Hello 160 00:15:23,490 --> 00:15:35,770 guests and county schools. I am Erica Baird and I am honored to serve as a guest and county teacher of the year. I know you are ready to welcome our students back to class for the start of a brand new school year. 161 00:15:36,110 --> 00:15:43,910 11 years ago, I was practicing law on Wall Street in New York City. I had a successful career advocating for my clients in the courtroom. 162 00:15:43,910 --> 00:15:48,930 When my family relocated to Gaston County, I decided to take a break from law. 163 00:15:49,430 --> 00:15:53,030 I wanted to do something different while still being an advocate for others. 164 00:15:53,550 --> 00:15:57,550 Doing something that had a longer impact on people weighed on my heart, 165 00:15:57,910 --> 00:16:02,050 so I applied for an interim teaching position at Bestemmer City High School. 166 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:06,510 I will admit that my first days in the classroom were hard, 167 00:16:06,890 --> 00:16:10,370 but I quickly fell in love with teaching and have never looked back. 168 00:16:10,370 --> 00:16:16,530 Today, as a social studies teacher at Forest View, I am able to bring the efficacy skills 169 00:16:16,530 --> 00:16:21,290 from my law career into the classroom to teach students and prepare them to become 170 00:16:21,290 --> 00:16:22,950 civically engaged citizens. 171 00:16:23,650 --> 00:16:29,590 That I feel is my purpose, influencing my students now so they will be a positive influence 172 00:16:29,590 --> 00:16:31,070 on others in the future. 173 00:16:31,690 --> 00:16:36,150 My students often ask, you are a lawyer, why did you become a teacher? 174 00:16:36,150 --> 00:16:42,530 And I tell them that I would not be the teacher I am today without my past experiences. 175 00:16:43,130 --> 00:16:47,510 Every teacher brings knowledge, experience, and perspective to the classroom, 176 00:16:48,270 --> 00:16:50,210 and your students benefit from this. 177 00:16:50,530 --> 00:16:56,430 My work as a teacher is guided by the philosophy that it is my responsibility and privilege 178 00:16:56,430 --> 00:17:01,410 to help guide each student along their journey in recognizing their strengths, 179 00:17:01,410 --> 00:17:06,490 overcoming challenges, and achieving goals they haven't yet realized are possible. 180 00:17:07,050 --> 00:17:12,950 Teaching is built on the unwavering belief that every student can succeed, and it is our 181 00:17:12,950 --> 00:17:18,030 responsibility to help them reach their fullest potential. During challenging times, 182 00:17:18,470 --> 00:17:22,750 we have to be anchored in our purpose of doing what is best for our students' academic 183 00:17:22,750 --> 00:17:28,630 and social emotional growth. We have to drown out the noise, look beyond the controversy, 184 00:17:28,630 --> 00:17:33,350 and not let outside forces distract us from what we are called to do. 185 00:17:33,870 --> 00:17:38,230 We have to be there for our students and families, and we have to support each other, 186 00:17:38,570 --> 00:17:42,110 because our work is so very important to the future of our community. 187 00:17:42,930 --> 00:17:47,490 With that said, I believe we also have to stand up for public education, 188 00:17:48,130 --> 00:17:51,050 in productive, collaborative, and meaningful ways. 189 00:17:51,590 --> 00:17:54,910 We are a community of resilient, passionate professionals, 190 00:17:54,910 --> 00:18:00,350 and working together as a team, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our students, 191 00:18:00,850 --> 00:18:03,150 our community, and our profession. 192 00:18:03,850 --> 00:18:08,910 When I go home at the end of the day, I know the work we are doing as educators greatly 193 00:18:08,910 --> 00:18:10,950 influences the lives of our students. 194 00:18:11,670 --> 00:18:16,750 I enjoy my legal career, but it never gave me the fulfillment that teaching gives me each day. 195 00:18:17,490 --> 00:18:22,430 Helping students discover their voices and see the relevance of their education is the most 196 00:18:22,430 --> 00:18:29,910 meaningful advocacy work I have ever done so with the new school year upon us I know you will bring 197 00:18:29,910 --> 00:18:36,370 your best game each and every day. The green flag is about to drop and your tireless energy, 198 00:18:36,890 --> 00:18:41,710 your endless patience and your big hearts will make it possible to celebrate many victories. 199 00:18:42,510 --> 00:18:48,850 My hope is for every one of you to have an awesome rewarding and winning year and guests and county schools. 200 00:18:48,850 --> 00:18:49,490 The 201 00:19:08,370 --> 00:19:13,370 seers are here. This is our season to shine. This is our season to win. 202 00:19:14,010 --> 00:19:16,330 It came on! That's a tiny soul.