By Barry H. Hendrix
Vickie Morris, Thomasville City School Superintendent, gave the opening address at the annual employee “Institute” Aug. 4 in the Thomasville Civic Center.
“I want to begin by saying thank you to each and every one of you,” she said. “Thank you for your passion, your energy, your deep commitment that you bring to our students and our school system this school year. Your work matters, and it matters deeply. It matters truly more than words can express.
“Each school year gives us a fresh opportunity – kind of a do-over or reset. Each one of us has an opportunity to make a difference. Again, I want us to continue with our journey of expecting excellence. I want us to expect excellence in everything you do.
“I also want to challenge all of you to focus on three things,” Morris said. “First, I want you to be intentional. Second, I want you to be impactful. And then, I want you to be innovative.
“First, intentional: We will approach everything we do with clarity and purpose – whether it is building relationships with our students – or how we collaborate with our colleagues – or how we structure our instruction in the classroom or on our playing field.
“Let’s remember that every single moment counts,” the superintendent said. “Every interaction with a student is a chance for you to change the path of their day and their life.
“Second, be impactful. The impact that you have as an educator is immeasurable. Long after students leave your classroom and our school hallways, they are going to carry lessons that you taught them. They are going to carry encouragement. They have high expectations for you; we should have them for them also.
“Let’s continue to be relentless and be student-centered,” Morris said. “The school is the students. We are just a by-product. Let’s do whatever it takes to ensure that not just a couple of students…or a handful of students – let’s ensure that every single student is seen, heard, challenged, loved and supported.
“And third, innovative. The world is changing fast. Our students need us to be forward thinking people. This year we will lean into new ideas. We are going to explore creative ways to engage our students and push the boundaries of traditional teaching. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be open and curious – willing to do things a little bit different than you did the year before.
“We will be there for each other every step of the way,” the superintendent said. “Not one single person is in this alone. Let’s remember – we are a team – united. No one is doing any of this work alone – whether you are a classroom teacher, a support staff member, a counselor, administrator, custodian, (Child Nutrition Program) staff member, or a bus driver. You are important, and you are a vital part of this mission.
“…We rise together. We have failures together, and most importantly, we will grow together.
“Let’s begin this school year with excitement, courage and a renewed sense of purpose,” Morris said. “Our students are coming – ready or not. …Whether it is your first year or your 30th year, I hope you feel that excitement of that bus coming down the road and those kids running into your room. They (students) are full of hope, wonder and potential. They are counting on you…so let’s give them the best that we have.
“…We are going to expect excellence. …Excellence isn’t about being perfect. It is about us showing up every single day. It is about us being committed and completing the task – and giving it our best – even when your best may be wearing mismatched clothes on Homecoming week or running on three hours of sleep decorating for a Prom or preparing for graduation. Let’s expect excellence in the way you plan and the way you teach. Expect excellence in the way you support one another. Expect excellence because that is what our students at Thomasville deserve. And that is what each one of you is capable of. …Let’s make this school year incredible and one to remember