With the 2016-17 academic year beginning next week, Aiken County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford made it clear Thursday that the school district could reach its goal of becoming the premier district in the state by employees working together.
“Marzano has been credited with the following quote: ‘Leadership is not a solo act. It’s a team performance,’” Alford said during a speech at the inaugural “One Team” event held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Thursday morning.
Employees from all of the County’s public schools – decked with face paint and posters – filled the center. They joined drummers, cheerleaders and mascots for the event, which acted as a kickoff for teachers returning to school.
Prizes and T-shirts were given away and schools also were presented academic and spirit awards during the event. Teachers representing each school excitedly took the stage and showed their best school spirit.
Opening the event was Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shawn Foster, who pointed out the 3,350 school district employees all “must work together, moving in the same direction.”
That theme carried throughout the morning and during Alford’s speech dubbed “One Drum.”
“There were many talents we could have highlighted, but I chose a melody of drums,” he said. “Individually, they can achieve their intended goal, but when played together, there is a greater potential for chaos, mayhem and disagreement. They have to have a rhythm and one drum establishes the heartbeat, rhythm and groove.”
He seemed optimistic about finding that pace.
Alford said the school year presents an opportunity for growth, adding in June, teachers worked in teams to “create the backbone of our curriculum.” Last year, the district also declared for the entire community it would not have “have” and “have-not” schools, he said.
“It is unacceptable to acknowledge and endorse ‘pockets of academic excellence’ across our district. The rising tide must float all boats.”
Moving speeches also came from Aiken County students Jashon Jenkins, Mason Collins and Miles Lloyd.
Jenkins, a fifth-grader at East Aiken School of the Arts, said it can’t be easy being in the profession and asked the group if they ever thought about why they chose the work.
He also challenged them to think about the type of students they were and what they learned. Regardless of which type of student they were, Jenkins said children need the same thing today that they needed then: someone to believe in and love them.
“To some of us, you’re the most important person,” he said. “Through your wisdom, we learn to be wise. Through your dedication, we are dedicated. But you already knew that. After all, you are teachers. Thank you for teaching us and not just teachers in the classroom – everyone that works in the school – thank you.”
Collins said each teacher makes a difference in someone’s life, whether they believe it or not.
“A teacher has bountiful love that never seems to run out. A teacher is a mom, dad, a therapist, a hug giver, a mediator, a mentor and so much more,” said Collins, an eighth-grade student at Schofield Middle.
Hours from heading to college at Clemson University, Lloyd, a recent North Augusta High School graduate, highlighted the subjects and lessons his teachers have taught him along the way.
“You have given me the tools that I need to pursue learning throughout my life,” he said. “... Teachers have the opportunities to influence others, no matter their path in life.”
That was true for Jeffrey McIver, a teacher at Mossy Creek Elementary, who also spoke during the event and noted growing up, he was a student who benefited from the encouragement of teachers.
“We need to believe in every student,” said McIver. “We need to be able to look at each of them and tell them we love them.”
Alford said he was told Thursday was the first time all of the district’s employees have been under the same roof, saying “we are mighty in number.”
“We are committed and compassionate professionals, but I would argue the road to becoming South Carolina’s premier school district requires more,” he said. “That journey requires unity. A common mission and single purpose – one team, one drum.”
Classes begin on Monday for Aiken County students.
By Christina Cleveland, The Aiken Standard
Christina Cleveland is the county government reporter at the Aiken Standard.