Laurel Bay schools welcome back staff, faculty

Photo By Sgt. Ashley Phillips | Staff and faculty members attend the Laurel Bay schools community opening ceremony at Bolden Elementary/Middle School Aug. 11. The keynote speakers at the opening stressed the importance of team work. According to the school their mission is to educate, encourage, and empower each student for success.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

08.11.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Ashley Phillips 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

“Anyone who has the responsibility
of educating and ensuring the well-being of our children truly has a noble
task,” said Col.Peter Buck, commanding
officer of Marine Corps Air Station
Beaufort and keynote speaker. “You are
super heroes. You really are. You have in
my mind one of the most important jobs
out there: You are in charge of educating,
molding, and guiding our children to the
future.”
The Beaufort Marine Corps Junior
Reserve Officer’s Training Corps’ color
guard presented colors followed by
the singing of the national anthem, performed
by George Ulmer. Kathleen Reiss,
the DoDEA Americas Southeast District
Community Superintendent gave the
opening remarks.
“I am very impressed with all your excitement,”
said Reiss. “I have been in education
a long time and every single year I
get excited at the beginning of the school
year.”
The Teachers came to the opening ceremony
wearing construction hats and reflective
vests, showing their enthusiasm
and willingness to work hard this next
year.
“The goal of the 21st century educator
is to challenge our children to become
modern students,” said Reiss. “Change involves
ending or letting go of old practices.
We can all upgrade our skills, knowledge,
and practices.”
Reiss finished up her remarks and a
short video was played. It stated the
necessity of change. According to the
schools they are preparing their students
for changes that haven’t occurred yet,
and the critical thinking and problem
solving skills they teach will set the foundation
for success of the students in the
years to come.
“This year’s theme, ‘embracing the
future; moving forward together’, is no
more important here than any other
school,” said Buck. “Our children are arriving
here in Beaufort probably having
changed duty stations from another state
or country. Our children may have a parent
deployed or about to deploy. They are
learning to deal with change on all fronts
as they start this school year. Along with
their parents, they look to you for wisdom,
structure, compassion and guidance.”
At the start of every year the schools
base their curriculum on a theme. This
year’s theme of embracing change and
teamwork follows directly after last
year’s theme, QUEST. QUEST stands
for question, understand, educate, and
strive for excellence. The schools understand
that collaboration breeds creativity
and strength. The staff and faculty
were reminded that they need to work
together, to draw from each other’s
strengths and weaknesses.
“The goose at the front of the formation
takes on the brunt of the work,” said
Dr. Christy Huddleston, DoDEA Americas
Southeast District Superintendant.
“When he gets tired he flies to the back
of the formation and another takes his
place. They share the load. A goose who
flies out of formation can’t make it alone.
We need to share the load with each other,
help each other.”
According to Huddleston, the common
goal that the staff and faculty share can
be reached more easily if they work together
and take turns doing hard jobs.
Her hope is that school leaders and
staff commit to a culture that is based
on shared values and beliefs about
teaching. Her goal is to create culture
that supports equitable educational programs
for students.
“Being an educator is not just another
job,” said Huddleston. “It is a calling. Remember
you mission: educate, engage,
and empower each student to succeed! It
is possible.”

• Date Taken: 08.11.2016
• Date Posted: 08.18.2016 15:17
• Story ID: 207594
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US