Reading, writing, 'rithmetic, and so much more

The 2019-20 school year got off to a high energy start for Goochland teachers at the division’s annual convocation held at the high school on Monday, August 12.

Flowing into the building, teachers greeted friends old and new. Snippets of conversations floating through the air included excited discussion of plans for the new year.

School officials were joined by 22^nd District State Senator Mark Peake and 56^th District Delegate John McGuire, who represent Goochland in the Virginia General Assembly as well as Chair of the Goochland Board of Supervisors, Manuel Alvarez, Jr., District 2; Ken Peterson, District 5; and John Lumpkins, Jr., District 3, a former school board member.

Sally Graham, executive director of Goochland Cares (goochlandcares.org) welcomed the teachers back to school and said that they are the first line of contact to identify families in need of the services offered by her organization.

“If you call us, we will help. Our mantra is “the answer is yes” because we are a private non-profit and able to make exceptions,” Graham said. Goochland Cares offers a wide range of services including the food pantry; emergency housing, critical home repairs; and health care for adults with incomes up to 300 percent of the poverty level. All information shared with Goochland Cares is confidential. “We are HIPPA on steroids,” Graham declared.

She invited all teachers to visit the new Goochland Cares facility on River Road West in Courthouse Village. It houses all services under one roof. “People don’t quite get what we do until they visit,” said Graham.

This reminder underscores the delicate task of teaching in Goochland, where students come from all walks of life. Maximizing the potential of every learner—one of the worthy goals of our school division—can be derailed by difficult personal circumstances.

Dr. Stephen Geyer, reflected on the hard tasks accomplished teachers last year, made possible by the teamwork and collaboration among teachers. A supportive school administration backstopped by an active and engaged school board that truly understands the needs and aspirations of teaches are all part of Team Goochland. 

Geyer also said that the extraordinary support of the supervisors—in many jurisdictions school board members and supervisors have an adversarial relationship—is an integral part of the successes of Goochland Schools.

School Board Chairperson John Wright, District 5, welcomed the teachers back. “Are all of you as excited as I am about the upcoming school year?” he asked. Wright observed that all people are creative. Inspiring students to find the spark of creativity within themselves and use that as a foundation for learning is the mark of a good teacher. “Rules and regulations kill creativity,” Wright declared.

John Hendron, Director of Innovation and Strategy observed that honor is a noun and a verb.  He said that the winners of this year’s G21 Award—marking its tenth anniversary—is the team from Byrd elementary for making learning come alive for their students. This award recognizes teachers who are focused on developing more constructivist-based learning experiences for students and developing their skills to design and implement those experiences.

This year"s G21 award winners from Byrd Elementary

Hendron thanked the Goochland Education Foundation for its help to make this awesome learning take place.

Service awards were presented for Team Goochland members with five-year service increments Maye Higgs, marking 30 years with the division was celebrated with cheers, applause and a standing ovation.

Kelley E. Taylor, 2018 teacher of the year introduced Cynthia A. Shelton-Eide, 2019 teacher of the year. Shelton-Eide, a ceramics teacher at GHS, praised her colleagues, who she described as rock stars. “They have a deep sense of care and respect. They support each other on the bad days who recognize the struggles we face.  My students taught me what it means to have a life of purpose.”

Shelton-Eide said that making mud into something useful is transformative. “Why make room for ceramics in a tech savvy world?” she asked. “No one knows if our students will ever use what we teach. We must teach skills that will endure, love for learning, belief in oneself, and risk taking.”

Teachers, Shelton-Eide said, play the long game and hope the lessons we teach will make it to the final goal. “Students look to us for real connection, something they may not get elsewhere and the gift or learning something new without instant gratification.”

School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley said that the 400 reasons that make GCPS the number one school division in the Richmond region for two years running were in the room.  “It’s what you do every day to maximize the potential of every learner that makes us special. Thank you.”

Raley acknowledged that teaching is not all high spots. “On those days when you want to take a long walk off a short pier, never forget that you have the power to make a positive impact on your students. Yes, you matter for the critical role you play in your students’ lives.

“Excellence, Raley declared, is in your DNA. You have the courage to advocate for kids when it’s not popular. Every child can succeed, but you can’t take care of kids if you don’t take care of yourself. We work together as team Goochland and that is why we are awesome!”

The pep rally ended appropriately with the high school band playing high energy music.

Teachers have a difficult, and often thankless job. Goochland is blessed with a cadre of find people who go the extra mile to help our students discover their individual gifts and prepare for successful lives.

The Bulldog band ended Convocation with rousing music.