Good evening, Dr. Zentmeyer, Board Members, and Dr. Sovine.
As you know, I’m Roger Stenersen, Communications Director for Rising to Learn, and I’m pleased to be able to speak with you again this evening. Tonight I’d like to focus on a number of things, all of which are seen as positives. It’s fitting to do so in this season of Thanksgiving, and to intentionally place our focus on a number of factors which support the learning and development of students.
First, our diverse community provides the exposure of students to a range of perspectives. Some years ago, a magnet school in our county held a Multicultural Day, which had as its goal to broaden student understanding of our greater community. I also recall a week-long exchange program between students on Smith Island, in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, and students in a WCPS middle school which, incidentally, provided the first live glimpse for some islanders of a cow. We all benefit from these experiences, not the least of which, our students.
Second, it is appreciated that the public, on behalf of whom you lead our school system, has access to you in this forum so we can make known to you our thoughts and concerns. It is noteworthy that at last month’s meeting, shortly after you returned Board meetings to an evening hour, you heard from more speakers than at any Board meeting in the last six months. As President Zentmeyer has stated, you value the input of the public, and Rising to Learn is pleased to have advocated for a return to the evening meeting time when more individuals can attend and express their interests.
Third, Rising to Learn wishes to highlight for the public that Dr. Sovine and his staff have been instrumental in refining and honing the programming and effectiveness of WCPS. Indeed, it is an honor to have as our school system’s top officer the president of the Maryland Public School Superintendents’ Association, a true leader of leaders! Wee are fortunate to have such positive leadership in Washington County schools.
Fourth, as we know you concur, it is vital to have the support and cooperation of the many community members who populate school system committees and assume both leadership and line roles in school organizations such as boosters and PTA’s. Of course, a precursor to participation is knowledge, and Rising to Learn is grateful to be a “force multiplier” in this regard by providing access for our public to summaries of Board meetings and other information which is helpful in following the workings of the school system. In fact, we will be posting on our website a new series of interviews with VIPs who play key parts in our school communities.
Finally, we would be remiss not to highlight the countless contributions made by the special individuals who make up the teaching, administrative and classified staff working on behalf of our school system. The everyday work of these valued persons, which is sometimes overshadowed by other organizational challenges, is most appreciated. Those of us at Rising to Learn wish WCPS employees and you, Board members, a Happy Thanksgiving.