Students Lift Up Teachers
For testimony about the strength of Alexander County Schools, one needs to simply talk with the students themselves. Alexander County School Board Members heard from multiple student groups over the course of two days as they went on a “Look and Learn” tour.
Senior Griffin Duncan knew what the visitors would witness.
“The biggest thing they’ll be able to see is how hard our teachers work for our students and the different ways that teachers go about capturing our attention and keeping us engaged. I think our teachers are really phenomenal. I think that may get overlooked sometimes,” said Duncan.
Duncan was part of a student group at Alexander Central who chatted with board members about the opportunities at the high school. Those include Advanced Placement classes, College and Career classes, Career and Technical Education, JROTC and more.
Duncan and others say it is about the variety of classes and the effectiveness of the staff.
“It’s the relationship that they build with the students. They build a relationship on a personal level that they can connect with them more. And they help with the work on top of that,” added senior Garrison Millsaps.
Board members quickly saw what the students described.
“The passion that the teachers have and to see the students’ look in their faces of their teacher and knowing that they are learning something that will carry them for the rest of their life,” board vice chair Matt Reese explained.
At Ellendale, it was not only teachers getting the notice. Third grader Jalayah McCorkle said other staff contribute to student success.
“I like Mr. B. He keeps our school clean,” said McCorkle.
At West Alexander Middle School, students interviewed the board members during the visit asking them about their job as system leaders.
Board chair Robert Arguelles told the students, “We’re here to give you everything you need to be successful.”
April Walsh teaches science at WAMS. She hopes the BOE can see how important the work is.
“I think they can see how engaged our students are and how positive an environment it is and nurturing and overall, how happy the students are,” said Walsh.
Principals at the various schools presented data charts and talked about school-wide goals with board members. Some are keenly focused on the quality of instruction.
For students, the conversation kept coming back to the key role staff plays.
“They take time out of their day to really help them even when it’s not in class. They help you even out of class and make sure you’re doing good. They check up on you. And I’m very thankful for that,” says East Alexander 8th grader, Tessa Chatham.
Board members made stops at each of the eleven schools and the Student Success Center during the “Look and Learn” tour. Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin invited the group to join him as they got a first-hand look at the schools in the district.
“It has been a wonderful experience. We want to propel you to a bright future. We are expecting excellence, and we want to come into a building and make sure you’re a part of that,” said Griffin.
Three board members will cycle off the board after the November elections. Griffin will take the new board members on visits in the spring.
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