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They’ve been preparing and training for a long time. And their moment is now. But I’m not just talking about Olympic athletes. 

Our teachers and indeed all of our important players in education are gearing up yet again for the opening ceremonies, which for Troup County School System employees means the first day of school, this Friday, August 2.

As I write on Monday morning, school personnel have reported for their first day of pre-planning. On Tuesday, the annual systemwide Back to School Kickoff for employees happens. This event, much like a pep rally and always held in one of our big gymnasiums so that everyone can be together, is a fun spirit raiser. All schools show up in matching tee shirts, sit together, and entertain the crowd with their own special cheers. Public officials attend to relay their best wishes for a successful school year. We get to hear from students representing every grade, who tell the gathering what they are personally looking forward to as they return to the classroom. 

The event emphasizes teamwork and family, which are important at the school, system, and community levels. For any organization to perform its best, all stakeholders have to believe in the mission and support measures that boost progress and improvement.

The advice I usually impart to our employees at this juncture is to surround yourself with positive people who believe in working hard together to further the mission, which in the TCSS is a commitment to educate “ALL students using creative and innovative strategies that provide ‘A Place For Every Kid.’” Every department plays a role in educating those kids, from the drivers who get them to school to the cafeteria workers who feed them to the maintenance people who make sure they have safe and clean spaces to learn and grow. No matter your position, you have to believe that what you do matters and you have to take pride in your service. If you need help to do your job better, ask for it. If you see someone who needs help, reach out and provide it.

I challenge every school and department this year to share your innovations and strategies with the wider community so that we can tell our story. It’s been said that if you don’t tell your own story, someone else will tell it for you — and their version may be full of holes or fallacies. Too often the many, many things that we are doing well get overshadowed by negativity from a small but vocal segment of the public. We must understand that Public Relations are paramount.

Those of you who see the good every day, take time to share with photos and comments on social media or via the Daily News or Local Buzz. Some schools do a great job of that (I see you Hogansville and Clearview – you guys rocked last year!) and some stay rather quiet – although I know from my visits that great things are happening everywhere. I want everyone to see the successes that I have the privilege to see.

To the general community, I’d like to say that your help is always needed and appreciated, whether in the form of prayer, donations, or volunteer hours. Any school would love your support. You can also assist with your own positive outlook and cheerleading. If you hear of something worrisome, please ask a person who can give you the facts before believing it.

Let’s flood the news with our good news. This is how we maintain a good kind of pride. Tell our story as often as you can. Tell it loud, and tell it proud. Here’s to a fantastic 2024-25 school year!