This year is East Forsyth High School's 50th year Anniversary. They are having a year long celebration and homecoming is a very big part of that celebration. Alumni from all the years will be represented at the game and whole families...from grandparents, to parents, to children will be in attendance. The same goes for my family. I have my brothers that graduated in 1979 and 1985. My husbands siblings graduated from there as well in 1976, 1979, 1982, and 1985. I have teachers who work with me at South Fork who are also alumni from East Forsyth. My mentors, the teachers I had who helped me decide to go into education are alumni from 1967, 1973, and 1976. I was thinking yesterday about this because homecoming is tonight. I was thinking about when I graduated...I was in the 25th graduating class in 1987. My son is graduating this year. He will be in the class of 2012...the 50th graduating class. Then, I thought about all the teachers on the South Fork staff that graduated from there and all the people in the school system who graduated from there, worked there, and continue to be a part of the school or the school community.
That is where the idea of A School, a Family, and a Legacy came from. Jim Wilhelm was the principal when I was there and he was there as far back as 1976, I believe. He is still working in the school system as Interim Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and Assistant Principal. I don't believe they will ever let him retire and his legacy will reach far beyond what he did in his tenure at EFHS. Debbie Brooks, was the Assistant Principal at East when I was there, she then went on to open and retire from Kernersville Middle School. Judy Cowden, Brad Craddock, Carolyn Flynt and Jayne Grubbs...just to name a few, all still work in the system and they are products of East Forsyth High School.
It is a school rich in tradition, in building future educators, and building a family within the school system. In it's duration, it has produced a legacy of educators and other successful adults to be proud of. Trish Gainey, the current principal, is working hard to continue the tradition of fine education and building the pool of educators for years to come. It continues to be a school to reckon with in sports and in academics.
This could not have happened without a strong community support and the hard work of the teachers in the elementary and middle schools. Our high schools are only as good as the students we produce from Kindergarten until they get to the 9th grade. That is why family and community support is so vital, not only for the high school, but for all the local community schools. It the essence of school, family, and legacy. None of it can happen without the dedication of people who care about our future and the future of our students. I am proud of being a graduate of East Forsyth High School and I am proud to be a product of all Winston Salem/ Forsyth County Schools. I am also very grateful that I have been given the chance to give back to the WSFCS community by being an administrator in the system. It started with my family, it grew through my school career, and I pray my legacy will go on to encourage and produce future educators for East Forsyth High School and for the schools throughout the county.
Proudly now we hail thee
Eagle, Brave and Fair
Through the years together
We all things will share.
Blue and White will ever
Be our colors true
Kindling in our memories
Thoughts East High of you!
Congratulations to East Forsyth High School for 50 great years. I look forward to seeing all the successes that continue to come from there.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Filling Buckets
Did you know that everyone has a bucket that they carry around with them all the time. In that bucket are the things that people do or say to them that make them feel valued, appreciated, loved, and respected. It is what they reach in to when they are going through hard or tough times, to help them through the situation. At South Fork this year we are promoting the idea of filling up each others buckets every day. So, we encourage each other, we encourage the children, and we model for the children how to fill other student's buckets. We also are trying to fill more parents buckets. The more buckets we fill with positives, the more people enjoy themselves at South Fork and they will want to be a part of what is happening here.
So far, filling buckets has been an easy fun thing to do each day. It is so much more fun to be a bucket filler than a bucket dipper. This is the person who is negative, says mean things, or doesn't do anything to help anyone else. It is easy to see the bucket dippers coming your way. They are the ones not smiling. They are the ones who are the naysayers and who do not work as a team member. We all have our days when our buckets are low and we are feeling low...on those days it is easy to be bucket dipper. This year, it is my goal at least, to try to fill as many buckets as I can each day. I have had several people fill my bucket this year and it makes my job a more pleasant one. Having my bucket filled helps me to deal with the rough days.
I would like to thank those that take the time to fill my bucket everyday and I hope that I am able to fill several each day as well. So, please join the South Fork movement and start filling some buckets with compliments, notes of encouragement, holding the door open, or just taking the time to ask how someone is feeling. You will be surprised how quickly your bucket fills while you are filling others.
So far, filling buckets has been an easy fun thing to do each day. It is so much more fun to be a bucket filler than a bucket dipper. This is the person who is negative, says mean things, or doesn't do anything to help anyone else. It is easy to see the bucket dippers coming your way. They are the ones not smiling. They are the ones who are the naysayers and who do not work as a team member. We all have our days when our buckets are low and we are feeling low...on those days it is easy to be bucket dipper. This year, it is my goal at least, to try to fill as many buckets as I can each day. I have had several people fill my bucket this year and it makes my job a more pleasant one. Having my bucket filled helps me to deal with the rough days.
I would like to thank those that take the time to fill my bucket everyday and I hope that I am able to fill several each day as well. So, please join the South Fork movement and start filling some buckets with compliments, notes of encouragement, holding the door open, or just taking the time to ask how someone is feeling. You will be surprised how quickly your bucket fills while you are filling others.
Friday, August 12, 2011
A Brand New Year
This is the beginning of a brand new year for all of us here at South Fork Elementary. We have several changes we will be implementing and several new staff members added to the faculty. It is an exciting time to be a part of the South Fork Family. The great thing about starting over with a new year is that we all get a fresh slate. Teachers, Administrators, Students, and Parents all get the chance to do things better for the students and for the school.
As an administrator, I will incorporate the skills I learned at recent leadership and Discovery learning workshops. I have also been given really good feedback from the teachers about what they need from me. I am looking forward to making this a smooth transition year for the new staff and the new programs by leading the staff through the change process- slow and steady with lots of communication.
Teachers will be implementing the the Common Core Standards, Imagine IT reading, and school wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support system (PBiS). We also have several new faces added to our staff. I think each person will make a huge positive impact on our students learning and the overall climate of the school. I am really looking forward to working with this staff this year.
Parents, you can help us by participating and getting involved in the parent advisory committee, the PTA Board, and just being present in your child's school life. The more involved you stay in your child's education, the more likelihood of them graduating from high school. That may seem far down the road, but trust me, it comes faster than you think. We always need volunteers, PTA members, and just visits during lunch. Some come when you can and take part in all the parent education resources we offer throughout the year. Terry Murphy is our Parent Liaison this year. Contact her for more information.
Students, you just need you to come to school ready to learn. Be prepared for class every day, READ< READ< READ...every chance you get. The more you read the faster you will get and the stronger reader you become. Exercise that muscle called your brain, and read- everyday. Keep a positive attitude and know that what you are learning today is foundational to what will be discovered tomorrow- maybe by you. You are growing up in an exciting time. You will work in jobs that aren't even thought of yet. You will use technology that is not even considered yet one day. So, start off enthusiastic about school, get a firm foundation, and learn and grow while you are here. You have the best teachers in the county here. Let them help you unlock your potential.
See you on the 23rd at 5:30 for open house. Call the school if you have questions or concerns. 336-774-4664
As an administrator, I will incorporate the skills I learned at recent leadership and Discovery learning workshops. I have also been given really good feedback from the teachers about what they need from me. I am looking forward to making this a smooth transition year for the new staff and the new programs by leading the staff through the change process- slow and steady with lots of communication.
Teachers will be implementing the the Common Core Standards, Imagine IT reading, and school wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support system (PBiS). We also have several new faces added to our staff. I think each person will make a huge positive impact on our students learning and the overall climate of the school. I am really looking forward to working with this staff this year.
Parents, you can help us by participating and getting involved in the parent advisory committee, the PTA Board, and just being present in your child's school life. The more involved you stay in your child's education, the more likelihood of them graduating from high school. That may seem far down the road, but trust me, it comes faster than you think. We always need volunteers, PTA members, and just visits during lunch. Some come when you can and take part in all the parent education resources we offer throughout the year. Terry Murphy is our Parent Liaison this year. Contact her for more information.
Students, you just need you to come to school ready to learn. Be prepared for class every day, READ< READ< READ...every chance you get. The more you read the faster you will get and the stronger reader you become. Exercise that muscle called your brain, and read- everyday. Keep a positive attitude and know that what you are learning today is foundational to what will be discovered tomorrow- maybe by you. You are growing up in an exciting time. You will work in jobs that aren't even thought of yet. You will use technology that is not even considered yet one day. So, start off enthusiastic about school, get a firm foundation, and learn and grow while you are here. You have the best teachers in the county here. Let them help you unlock your potential.
See you on the 23rd at 5:30 for open house. Call the school if you have questions or concerns. 336-774-4664
Monday, May 23, 2011
Beating the end of year blues
This is the time that end of year tests occur for all grades K- 12. This also is the time when after the test is taken, students feel the year is over and there is nothing left to learn. As a teacher, I always loved this time of year. Once the tests were completed, I was free to teach the way we used to. I did lessons where the kids could explore their surroundings, spend a lot of time outside learning about their environment, and learn about the community.
It can still be that way. Students can complete a service project for the school, like weed and replant the garden, make a "Meditation Labyrinth", write stories and share them with the younger children or with the local retirement community. Imagine what ideas the students could come up with to complete the last three weeks of school and the amount of learning that would take place and they would not even be aware of learning. It might be something to keep in the back of your mind for next year. There are plenty of grants that would fund any of these service learning experiences.
It doesn't have to be the end of year doldrums, with good planning and preparation. I think the students would enjoy the challenge of making something for the school that will be there long after they are gone. It would become a part of the legacy of South Fork Elementary, which already has a rich history. So, what will your students add to the legacy next year and beat the end of the year blues?
It can still be that way. Students can complete a service project for the school, like weed and replant the garden, make a "Meditation Labyrinth", write stories and share them with the younger children or with the local retirement community. Imagine what ideas the students could come up with to complete the last three weeks of school and the amount of learning that would take place and they would not even be aware of learning. It might be something to keep in the back of your mind for next year. There are plenty of grants that would fund any of these service learning experiences.
It doesn't have to be the end of year doldrums, with good planning and preparation. I think the students would enjoy the challenge of making something for the school that will be there long after they are gone. It would become a part of the legacy of South Fork Elementary, which already has a rich history. So, what will your students add to the legacy next year and beat the end of the year blues?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Finishing the year strong
The end of the year is quickly coming upon us. It is time to wind down the teaching, complete the last review, and the last test prep exercises. You have learned all that you can learn for this year. The teachers have done their job well. It is up to you, the students, now. You can make the difference of whether you pass the test with flying colors or not. Review the year in your mind. Think of all the things you have learned, experienced, projects you have completed. All that work comes down to the the End of Grade Tests but more than that, it comes down to you giving your best. The test is a measure of how much you have learned this year. No test can tell you what all you have learned this year. It can't tell you how you learned to speak up for others when they are being picked on or bullied. It doesn't show how you have grown three inches. It doesn't show how you have discovered your talent in music, dance, or drama. All of these experiences will help you do well on the test but the test does not define you. You define the test by doing your best, trying your hardest, and taking your time to take it and recheck it. Show us what you got academically this year, just as you have showed us what you have gained in the other learning styles. Use your new found talents to help you pass the EOG this year. If you fall short on the EOG, it doesn't matter, you have a talent that will grow and bloom, if you let it.
No matter what, finish the school year strong, have fun, and enjoy the last few weeks of school.
No matter what, finish the school year strong, have fun, and enjoy the last few weeks of school.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Being Present for your Students
April 20, 2011
Being Present for your Students
I have been trying to think of a topic that would be inspirational to all who read this blog this week. After being inspired to write about being winners for your children, students and yourselves…it is pretty hard to come up with something better or more interesting than that. That is why it has taken me so long to get something published on the blog.
I have been using the book, “TEACHER THERAPY” by Karen Katafiasz for my motivational quotes in my morning announcements for my faculty and staff. The last few days have all been about taking care of yourself- physically, mentally, and emotionally so that you can be present for your students to attend to their needs. There is something to being in a state of mind to be present for your students. I know I have a hard time attending to the needs of my staff when I am not in the right frame of mind to be present at that moment. It is hard for me to be supportive to them when I have not dealt with my own “stuff”.
This time of year is especially important to be present for your students and for each other. This is the end of year boiling point for a lot of us. We have End of Grade Tests, End of year conferences, budget issues, final evaluations, and a million other things that goes into closing out a school year. What are you doing or will you do to take care of yourself so you can finish out the year in good shape? What can you do to help your students not be fearful of the end of year responsibilities?
One of the things I use is a daily devotional to uplift me every morning. So, I can come in on a positive note. I have also started walking a lot in the evenings. I have found that while I am walking, I can deal with my “stuff”, leave it on the road, and be present for my staff and students the next day. It usually works…but not every time. So, I have to pull from my bag of tricks to help me be able to let go of my stuff long enough to tend to my staff and student needs.
Turn to each other for help and support. Laugh at yourself, laugh with the kids, lighten your load, and be present each day for the next 10 weeks. You need it, your kids need it, and the school needs it. Find what works for you to be present every day with your students and with each other. We need each other now more than ever.
Have a great day.
Being Present for your Students
I have been trying to think of a topic that would be inspirational to all who read this blog this week. After being inspired to write about being winners for your children, students and yourselves…it is pretty hard to come up with something better or more interesting than that. That is why it has taken me so long to get something published on the blog.
I have been using the book, “TEACHER THERAPY” by Karen Katafiasz for my motivational quotes in my morning announcements for my faculty and staff. The last few days have all been about taking care of yourself- physically, mentally, and emotionally so that you can be present for your students to attend to their needs. There is something to being in a state of mind to be present for your students. I know I have a hard time attending to the needs of my staff when I am not in the right frame of mind to be present at that moment. It is hard for me to be supportive to them when I have not dealt with my own “stuff”.
This time of year is especially important to be present for your students and for each other. This is the end of year boiling point for a lot of us. We have End of Grade Tests, End of year conferences, budget issues, final evaluations, and a million other things that goes into closing out a school year. What are you doing or will you do to take care of yourself so you can finish out the year in good shape? What can you do to help your students not be fearful of the end of year responsibilities?
One of the things I use is a daily devotional to uplift me every morning. So, I can come in on a positive note. I have also started walking a lot in the evenings. I have found that while I am walking, I can deal with my “stuff”, leave it on the road, and be present for my staff and students the next day. It usually works…but not every time. So, I have to pull from my bag of tricks to help me be able to let go of my stuff long enough to tend to my staff and student needs.
Turn to each other for help and support. Laugh at yourself, laugh with the kids, lighten your load, and be present each day for the next 10 weeks. You need it, your kids need it, and the school needs it. Find what works for you to be present every day with your students and with each other. We need each other now more than ever.
Have a great day.
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