Education Summit celebrates successes of DCS students

A variety of success stories were on display Thursday, Jan. 19, at Wiregrass Commons Mall. The stories had one central theme – celebrating the student successes that are taking place every day within the 21 institutions that make up Dothan City Schools. Everything from art to technology was included in the Third Annual Education Summit, hosted by the Yes We Can! Dothan Education Movement.

Artistic and musical skills were featured on various concourses of the mall. The Ovations, Girard Middle School’s choir, performed to the delight of those who stopped to listen to these young people perform. Directed by Katherine Hart, the choir performed a variety of songs for their audience.

“This is the sixth year that we’ve had the choir,” said Hart, who started the choir when she arrived at GMS. “So many of the kids expressed an interest (in having a choir). The first year, we had 90 students expressing a desire to participate. Each year since, we average between 60 and 70 students participating.”

The student choir has served as unofficial ambassadors for the school. They have performed for numerous civic groups, nursing homes and for public holidays like Veterans Day.

“We try to get them out into the community,” said Hart, who also directs the school’s band. “We want it to be a positive thing for our students. We want to get the kids out in the public eye. We’re not a magnet school, but we have awesome students. We want them to be exposed to the public. The more opportunities they have to get out and perform will make them better citizens.”

Exercising their vocal chords is not the only part of the learning experience for the members of The Ovations.

“They are doing creative writing along with being in the choir,” Hart said. She notes this allows the students to express in writing what the music means to them.

Visitors to the mall could speak with the students and teachers involved in the summit to learn more about the programs on display. The focus of the program, however, shifted to Center Court as some special achievements were recognized. Allyson Morgan, director of Secondary Curriculum Services for DCS, noted the public had seen “a snapshot of 21 schools” along the concourses and around Center Court. Five schools were singled out for special recognition.

Montana Magnet School, led by Principal Sue Clark, was recognized for being a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School.

“It took a group of people working together – teachers, parents, students,” Clark said of the accomplishment.

Lee Ann Holland, a kindergarten instructor at the school, was recognized as the Elementary System Teacher of the Year.

It was noted that Charm Russler, a science teacher at Carver Magnet, was named Secondary System Teacher of the Year.

Morris Slingluff Elementary School was recognized as one of 13 Alabama Torchbearer Schools and a National Title I Distinguished School (one of 66 in the nation to receive this honor).

“Our next goal is to be a Blue Ribbon School,” said Teresa Davis, Slingluff Elementary principal.

Beverlye Magnet School stepped into the limelight through its award-winning B.E.S.T. (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) program. The team was an overall middle school national winner and National Making Middle Grades Work Silver Award winner.

Although thrilled with his school’s accomplishments, Todd Weeks, principal at Beverlye, stressed that the night’s events were not just about one school.

“It’s not about Beverlye,” Weeks said as he spoke to the crowd gathered at Center Court. “This is about every student here. It’s about the students, parents and teachers, the three parts of the pie.”

Gayla White, a former DCS board member and current president of the Beverlye PTO, praised the work taking place in the school. She also thanked the parents who have taken an interest in what is taking place in the school.

“Beverlye Magnet is truly a neighborhood school,” White said. “And, it is set up to encourage the students to advance in their careers. My daughter will be prepared (for the future).”

While academics, the arts and technology were prominently featured throughout the summit, athletic endeavors were not overlooked. Coach Patricia Ball and her 6A state softball championship team were recognized for their accomplishments.

“We’re honored to be chosen to represent our schools at this event,” Ball said. “Our program being successful is not just what we do on the field.”

Members of the state championship team explained the five parts that make up the program – building leadership, family, winning in the classroom (team GPA of 3.96), community support and team.

At the conclusion of the program, Supt. Tim Wilder presented his “state of the system” address. Throughout, he highlighted educational achievements and stressed the importance of community involvement to keep the system moving forward.

“Educating the students in Dothan is our number one goal,” Wilder said. “To do that, we will increase the career/technical education. We will continue to strengthen the magnet schools. We want to increase the enrollment in our high schools. We want to lower the drop-out rate and increase the graduation rate.

“We can improve, and we will. We will continue to hear you and your concerns. We will continue to move forward. We will be relentless in our pursuit of student success. We will encourage it, embrace it, demand it.

“What you have seen tonight is only a glimpse of what we do.”