Articles by the Superintendent

For better or worse, our society has changed in ways we could have never predicted before the COVID-19 pandemic. One negative change in schools is a diminished perception of the importance of regular attendance and punctuality to student growth and achievement. Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern nationwide. Unfortunately, our community is not immune. While some absences due to illness or family emergencies are unavoidable, students often miss school for preventable reasons. Whether it’s a late start to the morning, a family trip, or a pattern of disengagement, each missed day significantly impacts a student’s learning.

Smartphones and social media are significant components of our daily lives. While technology offers incredible benefits such as instant communication, access to information, and educational resources, it also presents challenges that parents and educators must navigate carefully. In schools, we see firsthand the advantages and concerns that are the natural results of engagement with these tools.

Earlier this month, I was invited to join childcare providers and community partners at a regional meeting of the Georgia Child Care Association hosted at The Friendship House in Dalton. The room was filled with preschool educators, program administrators, local industry partners, representatives from our local school systems, and team members from local nonprofit organizations who directly support early learning in the community. The facilitator, who travels around the state to hold these town hall meetings, commented that it was one of the largest and most diverse community gatherings she had led. This speaks volumes about our community’s dedication to helping the next generation succeed. 

It should be no secret to anyone that school safety is paramount to us as public school leaders. Our primary mission is student growth and achievement for each individual learner. To foster and maintain safe and supportive learning environments, we must simultaneously focus on preventing, preparing for, responding to, and effectively recovering from all potentially hazardous situations.

As a public school system, Whitfield County Schools values our partnerships with individuals and businesses who help support our students inside and outside the classroom. In addition to volunteering and donating resources, citizens and business owners now have a new way to help our schools.