Earlier this month the Selma City Schools began the implementation of our new five-year strategic plan, A Framework for Excellence.  With four areas of focus, excellence is the cornerstone of this robust plan designed to move our city schools forward.  Aiming for excellence is not just a random idea.  It is what’s needed to give our scholars the best opportunity for a successful future.

Teaching and learning look a lot different now than even just a few years ago.  To achieve excellence, our teachers and leaders must be intentionally focused on meeting the needs of all students.  In our classrooms, teachers are supported by an instructional coach as well as by their school administrators.  This support includes clear expectations for creating learning plans for each student.  This is new for many Team Selma educators and we will learn together what it means to personalize learning pathways for each student.  This is the level of excellence that’s needed in our schools and we are committed to ensuring it.

Being an educator today is definitely a challenge.  As a leader, I fully recognize that although we have work to do, we also have excellence happening every day in our schools and offices.  To this end, last year we created the Aim for Excellence Award.  Everybody wants to feel valued and appreciated for the work they do.  Our teachers and staff are no exception and they certainly deserve it.  Our Aim for Excellence Award is a simple card that includes a handwritten note from the giver.  Given on the spot when excellence is observed, it was very well received by the recipients.  Many commented about being surprised and were appreciative of the fact that their work was noticed.  A word of thanks goes a long way.

We are ready to begin awarding and celebrating our teachers and staff this year.  Along with the card, each person also receives a special gift from one of our local sponsors.  From Queen City and Allez Oup to Albritton Flowers, KFC and Papa Johns, our local community really stepped up.  As we begin a new school year, we again ask for support from our community. 

Whether you partnered with us last year or not, I invite you to join Team Selma as we celebrate excellence amongst our ranks.  Our community engagement specialist, Courtney Washington is excited to work with each business, club, church or individual interested in being part of this movement.  We are serious about our work and we recognize that in order to ensure successful outcomes for all of our students, excellence is the only option!

For more information please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org.