Welcome Back!

A Hearty Welcome going out to our Newly Appointed Board of Ed Member...

Mrs. Keisha Edwards

Our district is at a critical juncture.  In an effort to continue the Grand School Leadership Advocacy Movement -- The Board felt it was both prudent and appropriate to appoint someone who was familiar with the process, and would require minimal time to ramp up and hit the ground running.

We look forward to doing great thing with Mrs. Edwards continued passion for children, educational experience and unwavering commitment to "Doing the RIGHT Thing!"

Welcome back --  Let's GIVE 'em PROGRESS!

Phase II

I haven’t blogged for a minute, primarily because there just hasn’t been anything pressing on my heart and/or mind to share. The other reason is I’ve begun writing the District’s Board Brief which is due out in 2 weeks. There’s only so much time in a day!

I did, however, have an extraordinary day, or should I say night – this evening. I have begun working with the Youth from the Youth Summit Council on the 2nd Phase of Peace Prosperity and Unity in Plainfield. We were graced with about 11 youth and about that many adults. We went through the data from the survey we conducted at the end of the Summit we held in April. There were some really exciting findings gleaned from the results, and we are going to use this information to springboard into our next activity. I will also be sharing some of the results with the Board and community at large over the next few months.

These youth are so dynamic! They are energized, focused and eager to turn their city around!

In addition to these wonderful youth, I also had the pleasure of meeting one of the truce initiating members who stopped by the youth summit wrap/rap up session. Something this gentleman said tonight hit me to my core; “why are we getting all this negative press for trying to turn our lives around and for working for the city.” One of the adult summit members reached out his hand to the young man and said to him that there are many more that are supportive of what they all are doing.

I really, really hope HE HEARD THAT. There are soooooooooooooooo many more of us who are supportive and encouraged by what these gentlemen are doing. Stay encouraged; the hope and motivation you are exampling is not in vain. There are so many youth looking at you and up to you, for whatever reason, you must not fail them – you MUST NOT FAIL YOURSELF!

The devil is busy – especially when someone is aiming to pick themselves up and rise! Marvel at those nipping at your heels because they are a sign that you are on the RISE!

I pray you all continue to represent Peace & Unity for Prosperity in this city. Our collective energy, commitment and teamwork will be what move this city forward and upward.

God Bless!

Note: Any negative comments will not be posted by this blogger!

A Very Proud Moment...

One of the More FINER moments in this life as a Board Member...

My Speech to the Graduating Class of 2011

Good evening esteemed class of 2011.

It is my pleasure and honor to come before you at this extraordinary time in your life. I did not know that part of my duty as President of the Board of Education included signing off on each of your diplomas.

This fact takes this occasion to a different level. This is truly personal.

My name binds me to you; we become a part of each other’s history – know I take your presence and your future seriously. I am believing in you to do great thing – many GREAT things.

Do you hear me???!!!

More than 25 years ago I stood on the opposite side of this podium, and my concerns then:

• where’s the party at?

• what shoes am I going to wear ?

• and how will I do my hair?

Fast forward to where we are today and I can tell you that never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself here addressing you all and sending you off to what will be the beginning of the rest of your lives.

I will also tell you that today my concerns are:

• What time can I get in my bed tonight?

• Do I have some flat comfortable shoes to wear?

• But I still have to make sure my hair is tight!

I say this to say to you that very few of us, if any, knew what we were going to be or do “when we grew up”! BUT as long as you pursue continuous learning from this day on you will be prepared to exploit and capitalize on every single opportunity that comes your way!

And if I where honest and I am -- living life is in fact about being prepared for your life’s opportunities.

In closing, I want to remind you all:

• To be patient with yourself and each other,

• To show loving kindness often

• To speak the truth in love

• And to let your word be your bond.

And finally, Be safe tonight and throughout the summer and whether you are going to work or to an institution of higher learning pursue it with excellence, determination and commitment.

Now turn to the right and give your classmate a high five, and now turn to the left and extend a handshake to your classmate. You must be able to be down-to-earth and professional!

Now go forward in peace.

And when it was all said and done -- we walked off smiling...

Those CAMPBELLs are @ It Again -- The Nerve.

Join them & The Plainfield Baseball League

for an old fashion

North Carolina Chicken and Fish Fry!

• Today: 12 Noon - 6 PM - Rock Avenue Baseball Field
• Dinner or Sandwiches being sold
• Dinners include -- 2 sides and Dessert

Yum, Yum -- Come Get You SOME!

It's for a Great Cause -- Our CHILDREN!!!
I'll See YOU at the Ballpark!
Remember...ACTIONs speak louder than words!

Phew - - June is NOT just for Brides!

June is ONE BUSY Month for those in education or serving in any official capacity within the educational landscape.  From career day assemblies, to formal dances and proms, fun-filled field days and awards banquets and the culimination of Graduation ceremonies  -- Whoa -- what a month this has been.

I pray our students and faculty have a safe and enjoyable Summer!

I'm looking forward to greater days, educational gains and community partnerships.

Ciao for now!