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 by David J Faltys, Ed.D, Carroll ISD Superintendent
Love kids? We do.
We've been teaching and caring for the children of this community for more than 50 years. And because of that, the CarrollIndependentSchool District is creating an environment that fosters excellence. . .an environment where children are valued. . .treasured. . .loved.
As Superintendent, I have the distinct pleasure of being able to see firsthand the care and attention that our employees give the children of this community. I could share story after story with you about how teachers and support staff are making a difference. At a time when political rhetoric tries to argue that public education isn't measuring up, I see evidence and proof that our children are excelling. . .that they are learning more material at a faster rate than you or I could ever have dreamed of learning when we were children. I've personally had many opportunities to walk the halls, observe classes and visit with staff about their day-to-day challenges and individual student celebrations. I've been most impressed. Our employees have a passion for what they do; they love education. . .more importantly, they love kids.
As a parent, I've watched for nearly two years now as my own children have transitioned from newcomers to Dragons. They have been welcomed, encouraged, and supported in a way that warms my heart. I'm sure we can all tell our own personal stories of that one teacher that really made a difference in our lives. You know which one I'm talking about, that teacher who singled you out of all the other kids in the classroom. . .the one who saw potential in you. . .the one who made you feel special. You will never forget and you will always hold dear that special teacher who encouraged you to develop a talent, to overcome a struggle or inspired you to do your best each and every day. The memory brings a smile to our face as we are reminded of that special teacher who loved us enough to get involved, to form a bond, to make a difference! At Carroll ISD, we want to create those kinds of memories for your children. . .ones they will carry forward with them well into adulthood.
During the month of February, Carroll ISD's True To The Core program will be highlighting the importance we place on Relationships. As a district, we value the relationships we have with corporate sponsors, taxpayers, parents and volunteers. They are relationships built on trust as we work collectively for the common good of public education. We rely so much on the support of this community, and we're never disappointed. Whether it is sponsoring a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be the first high school to produce The Phantom of the Opera or organizing annual PTO fundraisers to support teacher wish lists, the people of Carroll ISD value education and are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to help us educate kids.
But as important as those relationships are to us, nothing takes precedence over the relationships we forge with students. It is our responsibility to meet each child where he or she is and to help each child succeed. We take this mission very seriously and it drives each and every employee to stay focused on our mission - regardless of our position. Whether we are mowing the grass, serving lunch, putting a Band-aid on a scraped knee or realigning curriculum, each and every employee plays an important role in providing a safe environment, supportive of learning. We each have a responsibility to build strong relationships. . .to connect with students.
Relationships don't happen over night. They take time and attention. They must be nurtured and developed. Good relationships require open and honest communication. . .they are built on trust, and they demand and involve mutual respect. Good relationships honor individuality, but they also rely on commitment and teamwork. Relationships blossom when you care enough to put the interests of the other individuals first, as a top priority. . .they grow when challenges are faced together and achievements are celebrated regularly.
I hope that you will take a few moments during the month of February to honor a Carroll ISD employee for embracing the core value of relationships. Simply visit our website and click on the apple core to share with us why your nominee deserves to be recognized. The True To The Core program is a multi-media community awareness initiative to help gain public understanding and support of our school district. Nominating a Dragon employee for his or her day-to-day representation of our core values is just one way you can support Carroll ISD.
At the heart of our desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, is the important fact that we simply love children. While you might not think that's necessary. . .we do. It gives us energy when we feel too tired to grade papers; it helps us stay focused on keeping the school grounds clean despite excessive heat or cold temperatures; it fuels our desire to drive buses safely to and from school; and it encourages us to push forward with new teaching strategies when nothing else seems to be working. At Carroll ISD, we are about building strong, lasting relationships with our students.
Love kids?
We do.
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