RICHMOND COUNTY – Superintendent Dr. Cindy Goodman and School Board members welcomed a cafeteria full of teachers at Richmond Senior High School Thursday afternoon, August 23, as they enjoyed a delicious ice cream social. There were half a dozen stations set up with vanilla ice cream and all the toppings—walnuts, rainbow sprinkles, cherries, assorted syrups, whipped cream, and hot fudge. Cafeteria workers throughout the county served the appreciative teachers that were attending, but were eager to return to their classrooms to make final preparations for the opening of school August 27.
Dr. Goodman opened by welcoming back the many educators, recognizing that many had been back at work for more than a week. She continued that is a busy time as we begin a new school year, but also a time to reflect on the past and note that this was the eighth consecutive year of positive gains in student achievement. The past year showed a 5% increase in the graduation rate to 81%, but that the goal is for all students to graduate. Goodman also spoke highly of the success of the transitional program for students with special needs, and the sense of “acceptance, love, and happiness” that she has seen.
“The slogan for Richmond County Schools this year is Better Together,” as the superintendent spoke about teacher Ismael Gomez of Hamlet Middle School, who assisted another RCS teacher with his math instruction skills, enabling success for students in both schools, and this spirit of cooperation. Dr. Goodman closed by wishing the teachers good luck as they begin their new year.
Dr. Jeff Maples, the Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, then recognized the teachers who had perfect attendance during the 2017-2018 school year. This is certainly an accomplishment for the almost 20 educators who were recognized for not missing a day from work the entire school year.
The 2017-2018 Assistant Principal of the Year was then named by Executive Director of Human Resources Dr. Julian Carter. Described as “respectful, calm, and having great insight”, he has also served as a teacher and coach before taking on the role of Assistant Principal. Carter then called Derrick Watkins of the Ninth Grade Academy to come forward to receive the award.
Dennis Quick, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, presented the award for 2017-2018 Principal of the Year to Kate Smith. Her characteristics include “a passion for children, she knows no family tree or zip code, she loves children for what they do; she never shirks her responsibilities.” She served as Principal at Mineral Springs Elementary and is assuming the Principal position at Monroe Avenue Elementary for the 2018 -2019 school year.
Teachers of the 2017-2018 school year were also recognized by Dr. Maples. They include Benny Leviner, Ashley Chapel Educational Center; Kristen Perakis, Cordova Middle School; Yolanda Sawyer, East Rockingham Elementary School; Derek Anderson, Ellerbe Middle School; Tina Williams, Fairview Heights Elementary School; Ismael Gomez, Hamlet Middle School; Tina Pittman, L.J. Bell Elementary School; Esthela Pacheco, Mineral Springs Elementary School; Cassie Cloninger, Monroe Avenue Elementary School; Brenna Wyatt, Richmond Ninth Grade Academy; Gretchen Grooms, Richmond Early College; Chad McCurry, Richmond Senior High School; Ashley Lupfer, Rockingham Middle School; Christine Haber, Washington Street Elementary School; And Kelsey Bailey, West Rockingham Elementary School.
Anticipation was high for this prestigious award, as the winner receives a vehicle of choice from Griffin Nissan. The 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year was awarded to Yolanda Sawyer of East Rockingham Elementary School, where she has been a kindergarten teacher for 22 years. Ms. Sawyer had received recognition at a school board meeting earlier this summer for her excellent service at East Rockingham.
