August 26, 2016

The Supt Dish              

                                                                                                   August 26, 2016

It is an exciting time of the year as we complete the first week of school.  At GISD, we have welcomed back 1,328 students! With “Meet the Teacher” night, first football games of the season, issuing laptops and textbooks, we are all very optimistic for a great year in 2016-17.

We have many fantastic things going on in GISD this week. From our state ranked volleyball team continuing their success from last year, our award winning marching band and cheerleaders preparing for the year, to our innovative teachers, GISD is prepared to meet the challenges of the 2016-17 school year. But where do we want to be in the future?

During the summer, GISD began the process of developing a five-year strategic plan. Representatives from each campus and community members have gathered several times during the summer, collaborating and developing strategies for us to meet the challenges in providing a superior public education for our children.  We have also included some of our recent graduates sharing their perspectives in our meetings. The results is the development of a) our beliefs, b) a vision c) profile of a Goliad graduate and d) profile of a Goliad teacher.  Our next steps are to develop strategic objectives with specific results and finalize the plan to present to the Board of Trustees in October.

 

As we continue to explore ways to enhance the education of our children, we are excited that GISD has been invited to attend a STEM Summit sponsored by Chevron. Harnessing Human Energy for STEM Success will take place at the Johnson Space Center in Houston October 26-28. De Helmer, GISD Director of Curriculum & Instruction and GHS Principal Brenda Gohmert will be in attendance with selected leaders from Texas school districts. During the Summit, Ms. Helmer and Ms. Gohmert will hear about advanced science concepts, meet with astronauts, see how astronauts train in an underwater lab, and have VIP tours of the Johnson Space Center.

As the first week comes to a close, I want to thank all of you for your commitment to our children. May this year bring many successes to all!

August 12th

  The Supt Dish                          

                                                                                                                August 12, 2016

WELCOME BACK TEACHERS AND STAFF!  The summer has flown by and it seems summers become shorter every year.  As I mentioned during Rally Day, our maintenance and custodial staffs have been very busy preparing your campuses for the 2016-17 school year. Middle school has a new roof, several classrooms have new carpet, and air conditioners have been replaced as well as lighting in some buildings. Many thanks to these dedicated employees who work tirelessly in making our learning environment look like new.

I have received many thank you notes/emails about our keynote speaker, Riney Jordan. I appreciate your comments, but please thank others who where involved in the development of Rally Day. Many thanks to De Helmer, Debra Bauer, Jason Howard, and David Luna for their contributions with our Rally Day schedule. Also, I would like to thank our very own “Hall Pass” band, Jason Howard, David Luna, Neal Tolbert, and Jennifer Bridges. Their performance was fantastic and we do want them to perform next year if not sooner!

Hall Pass

After everyone had left the auditorium, I stayed behind to assist Riney and his wife Karen. The Jordans are so appreciative of opportunities to visit school districts and speak to teachers and staffs. They have traveled and presented in almost all 50 states and several countries. However, Riney informed me that next Friday, August 18, 2016, will be his last speech. After many years of travel, he has decided to retire permanently to his farm near Hamilton, Texas.

I watched as many of you spoke with Riney after his speech, purchased his books or motivational items and get his autograph while visiting with him. It saddens me, knowing the impact he has had on us and on thousands of educators with his words of wisdom. As we have always had and always will have challenges in our daily and personal lives, Riney always puts things in perspective and reminds us to stay grounded. Students and family are important to us, and Riney reminds us of that.

During my career, I have heard many motivational speakers, from the east coast to the west coast, and international speakers. But none of these speakers can come close to inspiring educators as Riney has. I’ve had the opportunity to hear him present several times, and I always walk away recharged to work harder in our responsibility to educate our children.

Riney gave me a copy of his second book Wednesday. Kristi and I had purchased his first book and poster several years ago. I have referred to his first book several times over the years and have already read most of his second book.  You can feel the compassion he has for children and people reading his books. I visualize him speaking to us as I read his book.

Riney Jordan

As we begin the school year, let’s remember how blessed we were that our friend, Riney Jordan, inspired us to teach with compassion and love. May our “Ambassador of Public Education,” Riney Jordan and his wife Karen, enjoy retirement!