Norcross 2020 - "Thoughtful Progress Together"

Principal for a day at Beaver Ridge Elementary

Vote for Keith Shewbert
Norcross City Council - Runoff
December 5th, 2006
“Thoughtful Progress Together”

v Smart Spending
v Secure Neighborhoods
v Community Involvement



Comment on the future of Norcross on my blog at www.Norcross2020.com


Back to School as Principal for a day at Beaver Ridge Elementary

Forget Dolly, if cloning is possible, I want several copies of Esther Adames-Jimenez. Ms Adames is the Harvard educated principal of Beaver Ridge Elementary where I was invited to take part in the GCPS “Principal for a day” program. When she took over Beaver Ridge three years ago the school was one of the worst of the worst. As a 90/90 (90 percent minority, 90 percent free and reduced price lunch) school, little was expected of a school that supplies one third of Summerour Middle’s students. Ms. Adames has turned the school completely around. Not only did they make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) this year, the school is in the upper half of all elementary schools in the county and gaining on top schools like Simpson. She demands results and expects every child, regardless of background, to perform at a high level. She has instilled a passion for learning in her students, a passion for high performance in her staff, and has developed a large and active parent teacher organization. Beaver Ridge has added reading and writing programs so that each student experiences six reading sessions per day. The children recite their mission, vision, motto, and pledge of allegiance every morning during televised announcements. The school is spotless, quiet, and wherever you turn children are focused on becoming life long learners. As Esther told me during our day together, she will do anything for the children. Any request from staff that is for the children will be met if at all possible.

If you have a chance, make an appointment to visit this incredible school. It will prove to you that the challenges of educating in a diverse community can be overcome. With educators like Ms. Adames, Dr. Pugh at Summerour, and Dr. Watkins at Norcross Elementary I am optimistic that the Norcross cluster will regain its former level of academic achievement. To this end city leaders must embrace education and advocate for our share of county support. No other single improvement will have a larger impact on the Norcross community.

While on the subject of education I wanted to personally thank all those who signed up to mentor at Summerour, and teach Junior Achievement at Norcross Elementary. Your commitment to these children and the community will pay great dividends, and if you are like me you will get more back from the experience then you give.

Finally thanks to all of you who came out to vote Nov. 7th. Please mark your calendar to vote in the runoff on Dec. 5th. Remember that together we can accomplish great things for our community.

Regards,

Keith Shewbert
(678) 429-6039
keithshewbert@gmail.com

posted by Norcross2020 @ 7:46 PM