|
Fielder’s Choice
By Barry Burleson Keep up good work Last
week’s and this week’s newspapers have included the levels of area
public schools based on the most recent state test scores. Congratulations go to the Holly Springs, Marshall County and Benton County school districts for their overall improvements. Often
our local schools have taken the heat when discussions come up about
quality of life, economic and business development, and such like. Now
it’s time for those same folks to boast about the accomplishments of
our schools academically. Based on recent results from the Mississippi
Department of Education, they’re on the right path. But the leaders of our schools also know their mission is not accomplished. The
goal is continued growth – to High Performing and Star schools, the top
levels on the ladder. But most of our schools are taking positive steps
forward and we should all give them applause and praise. To keep progressing and reach the goals, it will take all of us supporting our schools. This has to be a community effort. Seven
of the 14 schools in the Holly Springs, Marshall County and Benton
County systems are now rated Successful. Others made big steps forward.
Most of all, the teachers are the ones who
deserve the biggest pats on the back. Teaching is tough. It takes a
special, dedicated person – one who loves children. The
teachers are the leaders in the classrooms, helping build knowledge and
character in our children on a five-day-a-week basis during the school
year. Teachers play such an important role in the lives of our children. Schools
were not rated when I attended Hamilton Elementary School, Hamilton
Middle School and Hamilton High School in Alabama. We did not have to
take all those state tests. That was in the late 1960s and 1970s – a
long, long time ago. But I think I came out somewhat OK. That’s
because I believe I was blessed to be a part of a public school system
with fabulous administrators and teachers and outstanding community
support. The community rallied around the schools. For
me, the teachers and the coaches definitely made the difference –
particularly the tough ones. I often got tired of the homework, the
essays, the difficult exams and such, but after getting to college and
then into the “real world,” I learned to appreciate them more and more.
I even have an appreciation for some of those
coaches who yelled at me when I made mistakes on the basketball court
or the baseball diamond. Just sitting here
typing this column, I’m having trouble remembering the names of all my
teachers through the elementary to high school years. But you can bet,
I remember the hard ones, the ones who challenged me and encouraged me.
Plus, a big chunk of the credit goes to my
mother. After all, an education starts at home and has to be an
important part of the family atmosphere. She always kept up with my
school work and grades – urging me to always do my best. Again, congratulations to our schools. Keep up the good work.
|
