July 29, 2003
Albany - As Dougherty County students soak up the last few days of summer, their teachers are gearing up for the new school year. Teachers, principals, and the support staff met for the pre-year system wide meeting on Tuesday. But after watching teachers dance around in sombreros and administrators sing at the top of the lungs, it was easy to see this was no normal meeting.
A spirit contest got employees pumped up for the fast approaching school year. "This is going to be such an exciting year," said Henri Taylor Green, a Paraprofessional at West Town Elementary.
Monroe High School teacher Robert Alexander is just glad to be home, after serving in Kuwait with the 802th Quartermaster Company. The history teacher became part of his curriculum. "I want to tell students about my experiences and help them understand that every day we experience history," said Alexander. He and other teachers, who served in the military, were saluted by their peers at the meeting.
Then, the faculty of all 27 Dougherty County Schools were faced with a challenge. The new No Child Left Behind Legislation is forcing schools to shape up and be accountable for student success. "If just one sub-group of 40 kids doesn't meet standards at a school or even in our system, we will be put on the Needs Improvements List," said Superintendent Dr. Sally Whatley.
Whatley says state educational leaders want Georgia to see the largest improvements in academics in the country, and she wants Dougherty County to lead the way. "Every school must make improvements every year. That's a given."
Another given - the road to success can be fun. But first, students need a push in the right direction. The first day of school for Dougherty County's 16,000 students is August 4th.
Posted at 2:55PM by kathryn.murchison@walb.com
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