Newspapers / Iredell Citizen (Statesville, N.C.) / Jan. 1, 2004, edition 1 / Page 19
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Letter to the Editor: My Christmas Wish In 1954, there were many physiologists who believed it would be impossi ble for a human to ever run a mile in less than 4 minutes. It was believed that it would be harmful to the human body to even attempt such a feat. However, on a windy day in May 1954, Roger Bannister became the first human to run a sub four minute mile. There are many individuals in our nation who do not believe that the achievement gap can be closed. For many different reasons such as lack of resources, lack of support, and lack of ability, these individuals do not believe it is possible to close the achievement gap. My Christmas wish is that as a community, Iredell County teach ers, parents, students, and commu nity members all believe that the achievement gap can be closed. The Iredell-Statesville School system has focused a great deal of effort this year in developing this common belief that the gap can be closed. Why? The answer relates directly to the Roger Bannister story. 1. What we believe has a profound effect on what we achieve. Mr. Bannister believed that a human could run a sub-four minute mile. Even though all individuals do not believe the achievement gap can be closed, there are many who believe it can be done. 2. Changing the way we and others think in order to increase perform ance is an important leadership opportunity and responsibility. 9s- CLIP AND SAVE Beginning January 1, 2004 Iredell Memorial Hospital’s Health Care System will cease operating a Poison Information Center Carolines Poison Center in Charlotte has agreed to handle these calls. Their number is 1-800-222-1222 Once Roger Bannister broke the four minute barrier, others were quick to follow. Within three years after Bannister broke the barrier, sixteen other people had followed his lead. Once school systems begin to close the gap, many more will fol low. Why should Iredell-Statesville Schools not be among the first? 3. Achieving the impossible cannot be done without careful planning and focused energy. When asked to explain how he had broken the barri er, Bannister said, “It’s the ability to take more out of yourself than you’ve got.” This is what must be done in Iredell County. It will take time to plan and select the correct strategies to close the gap. It will take hard work and commitment from teachers, students, parents, and the community to implement focused energy. Recently, I read an article that described the beliefs that have led a number of school systems in the Minority Student Achievement Network to success in closing the gap. As part of my Christmas wish I hope that everyone will adopt these beliefs. As part of my New Year’s resolution, I plan on prac ticing these beliefs. 1. Achievement is not innately determined, children will achieve when they are effectively taught HOW to leam. Recent studies have shown that the quality of teacher that a student has can account for as much as 70% of the difference in student achievement. 2. Every child has unique strengths: our responsibility as parents and educators is to discover and build upon these strengths. 3. Schools and teachers that con centrate on how learning processes affect students will be more pro ductive than those that blame stu dents, families, or poverty for underachievement of students. 4. Each staff member must examine his/her beliefs and change practices to counteract racism and discrimination. 5. Schools will be considered excellent only when students of all racial, ethnic, and disability groups are achieving at high levels. The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education recently heard the final plan from the Closing the Achievement Gap Task Force. The plan presented represented many of the beliefs voiced above. The Board of Education is committed to .closing the gap and reaching the mission of the schools. My Christmas wish is that everyone will join us and support us in this effort. Have We’ve had a great year, thanks to customers like you, but we still resolve to bring you even better service next year. Have a great holiday, and please come to see us again soon. From the Avenue Style Staff, Sherry Ladd, Judy Gustin, Sheree Bustle & Sharon Ashley JOHNPRULMrTCHBJ-gYaTBVB. 704-XX3-X332 IDauie, *4ue*ue SUtfettriUe Start the New Year off right.. f Subscribe to the Iredell Citizen! 52 Weeks for just $2Zl Don’t live in NCf No Problem! It’s just an extra $2! What a deal! Give Lisa a call at 704-S72-I200 or send her an e-mail at circ@iredellcltizen.com. a Happy Holiday season! Dr. Terry Holliday Superintendent Iredell-Statesville Schools ’
Iredell Citizen (Statesville, N.C.)
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Jan. 1, 2004, edition 1
19
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