THE BEST YEAR EVER

 

Goochland High School Marching Band

Convocation—the start of the school year pep rally—was back in full force on August 17. Held for the first time in two years, all of “Team Goochland” every member of the school division staff gathered in the high school auditorium to celebrate past successes and gear up to welcome students on opening day August 23.

The theme was “The Best Year Ever” as our school division prepares to welcome, according to Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley, 99 percent of students back to in person instruction five days per week.

As in years past, the auditorium was filled with the happy buzz of people catching up with each other after the summer. Mandatory masking did not damp the enthusiasm of those greeting old friends and making new ones. Staff members wore the colors of their respective schools as GHS principal Chris Collier led impromptu cheers for Bulldogs.

Following the presentation of the flag by the Marine Corps Junior ROTC color guard and pledge of allegiance, Dr. Andrew Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent for Administration welcomed all to the start of “the best year ever.”

Dr. Steve Geyer, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction talked about the challenges and triumphs of the last 18 months as Team Goochland members were stretched thin by Covid. Yet they “pivoted”—are we very tired of that word? —to find new ways to interact with students. He encouraged them to reconnect with each other, their students, and families and find ways to refresh and recharge for the coming year.

The entire school board, Sandra Barefoot-Reid, District 1; BillieJo Leabough, District 2; Karen Horn, District 3; Mike Newman, District 4; and John Wright, District 5, were all present. Also in attendance were Supervisors Don Sharpe, District 4, Board Vice Chair Ken Peterson, District 5, and Interim County Administrator Manny Alvarez. Geyer pointed out that the positive collaborative relationship between the supervisors and school board is rare and a significant factor in the success of Goochland Schools.

Horn, current school board chair likened public schools to minor sports leagues whose job is to prepare players for the big leagues, or in the school’s case, real life. She posited that “Old” Doc Raley’s farm team does just that and every member of Team Goochland plays a vital role in preparing each student for a successful and satisfying life.  She also compared a school year to a garden where seeds of knowledge are planted and carefully tended to ensure a bountiful harvest.

She asked each school to make the sound associated with its mascot. The result was a harmonious expression of energy and excitement for the coming school year.

Service awards for team members observing five-year employment intervals came next. These featured handshakes and hugs of congratulations and thanks. Of special note, are Robin Hawk, James Hopkins, and Amanda Morrison celebrating 35 years with Goochland Schools.

Highlight of the event was comments about students about why they like school. Being with teachers and friends topped the list. The stage presence of rising first grader Dorian Longo who read a brief statement that stole the show.

Raley said it was humbling to be part of a school division that was the first to welcome students back to in-person instruction after the Covid lockdown and see everyone back together for the first time in two years.

He asked teachers “why do you do what you do and make tough decisions to do the best for your students every day?” Raley commended the teachers, custodians, food service staff and every member of team Goochland who kept on keeping on right through the Covid restrictions. He welcomed them back for the best year ever!

The marching band played the assembly out.

Schools have become the focus of the latest Covid discord. Both sides of issue like masking present compelling arguments for their viewpoint. School boards must make policy in what they believe is the best interests of all students. They did not expect to deal with matters like this when they ran for office and are doing the best they can. Let us pray that soon issues like masking will be history and our schools can get back to important stuff like education.