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Dr. David Hopson |
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November 19, 2007 As we celebrate Thanksgiving—the most American of all holidays—I believe we have much to be thankful for in our school district. When I visit with school councils, meet with teachers, work with other district staff and review student performance data, I see a district full of individuals who go above the basic requirements of their jobs to enable students to better reach their potential. I am reminded daily of the many positive activities occurring throughout the district and the many ways that staff meet the needs of students and make learning an essential part of their lives. School concerts, athletic events, classroom activities, the after-school program, student governance and educational field trips show evidence of a district that encompasses much more than rote learning in a classroom setting. As we look ahead to decide how to expand student opportunities in an era of decreasing resources combined with increasing government requirements, it will become ever more important that we share a common vision for what we wish to provide our children. Setting priorities, such as educating the whole child and ensuring that 21st Century skills (collaboration, innovation, information, media, and technology skills, as well as social and leadership skills) are part of the complete educational offering, will become critical in positioning the district to succeed in its mission. While Gateway faces many of the same problems and issues as other schools, our size, commitment of staff, parents and community members, and willingness to consider change will allow us to adapt to a world that continues to transform at an ever increasing pace. Although not every change that we consider will be adopted (expanded learning time being the most recent example), the information and skills acquired in reviewing such items does prove useful in seeking to improve the delivery of education to our children. Those who are adamantly opposed to change have not been, and will not be, happy to know that change is a constant in today’s world. It's somewhat improbable that educational structures that have remained basically unchanged for over a hundred years will remain so in the future. We can already see this at Gateway with the use of on-line options for high school students, the changes in course offerings, and the increased use of technology as a tool to expand student horizons. As the amount of acquired knowledge increases (it's estimated that technical knowledge will double every 72 hours by 2010), our ability to use knowledge may become more important than the mere acquisition of knowledge. I’ll take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to support public education in general and the Gateway district in particular. I appreciate the many positives in this district, the opportunities that lie ahead, and the ability to work with the community to improve upon our past successes. I hope that everyone is able to reflect on his or her blessings as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week. ### |
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