More ways to keep up with the latest news from Polk County Public Schools:
School administrators from across the county gathered for a day-long back-to-school leadership academy on Tuesday, August 7th at George Jenkins High School. The agenda included special recognitions and break-out sessions consisting of updates from various divisions throughout the school district. Opening and closing session remarks were provided by Dr. Sherrie Nickell, Superintendent.
“As we open our school doors on August 20th, please take every opportunity to allow each of your students to show you the gifts that lie within them,” said Nickell. It is imperative that as instructional leaders, you speak to the passion of your students so that they remain interested and engaged in learning, she added.
A message from Winter Haven High School student Jonathan Allen who overcame personal challenges and excelled in Advance Placement courses underscored the superintendent’s message. “Had I not had people who believed in me, I wouldn’t have made it this far,” said Allen. Allen’s career plans now include going to medical school to become a doctor.
“Jonathan is the perfect example of why we do what we do,” said Nickell. You are people of heart and you prove it every day through your professionalism, dedication and overall concern for your students, she added.
Nickell encouraged assistant principals to broaden their perspectives by taking on different curriculum or operational responsibilities, to support their principals through their energy and ideas and understand that they are tomorrow’s principals.
Principals were encouraged to learn from each other and seek to mentor and teach their assistant principals. “You have many tasks before you and cultivating tomorrow’s school leaders is a very important role,” said Nickell. “I know you will not only meet expectations but exceed them.”
“You, as instructional leaders, are one of the most important keys to a school’s success and I applaud and thank you for the tremendous work that you do every day in the best interest of our students,” concluded Nickell.
Let the opening school bells ring – we’re ready!
Note: Special thanks to MIDFLORIDA, Publix and ASBA for sponsoring the day-long academy.
News