March 18

Happy Daylights Saving time! Even though it is been over a week, I am not sure I have fully adjusted. There is something about waking up in complete darkness that just is not right. Anyway, I have three very exciting things to discuss in this edition of the Principal’s Musings.
First, on March 27, we will have our third annual reading celebration. We ask for everyone to dress as a favorite character from a book. I have dressed as Legolas the Elf from Lord of the Rings and a Sneetch from Dr. Seuss’ classic story The Sneetches. I am not telling what I am dressing as this year, but rumor has it that it will be magical. Other events on the day include a kindergarten parade, a reading assembly, and volunteers in classes to read their favorite books. We would love for everyone to dress up and arrange with their child’s teacher to read a favorite story.
Second, we recently held the first Swift Creek Student’s Summit. Student Council members from fourth and fifth grade and select third graders participated in the event. It was a marvelous afternoon with many great ideas from the students. We discussed their views of the school vision (Everyone will learn and succeed), received input on how to improve the school climate, and generated ideas on how to improve our character education assemblies. It made me proud to see the students take this so seriously and give such valuable input to improve our school. They definitely taught me a few things and I am grateful. I am already excited about our next summit!
Finally, we recently approved our School Improvement Plan. It is a great document that will allow our school and staff to offer the very best for the students of Swift Creek. It focuses on high expectations and continuous improvement. I have linked it from the Swift Creek web site (http://swiftcreekes.wcpss.net/) and from my web site (http://argentjim.googlepages.com/). I hope you will take the opportunity to review the document and see what we have planned. Please feel free to offer us feedback or ask questions.
As you can tell, a lot of my recent messages (including this one) have been about continuous improvement. I really feel when you have such a great school that you must continually challenge yourself to stay on top. I hope you see the dedication to that endeavor. I also hope you see the passion, attitude, expectations, beliefs and values that all staff have for ENSURING all students will learn and be successful. Thanks for all you do and until next time – please keep ROARing!!!!