Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

Social distancing. Spread. Self-quarantine. Recently these words have taken on new meaning for us all. Regardless of your geographic location in the world, it is likely these words have bound us all together in this unprecedented time in our lives. The coronavirus pandemic has caused fear and anxiety in our world. It has disrupted our regular way of life and has caused us to completely eliminate things we would otherwise typically do such as shaking hands, giving hugs or sitting/standing close to someone else.

 

I have witnessed something that I would have never thought would happen--nationwide school closures. We expect schools to close for inclement weather. We do it all the time. We can anticipate hurricanes and take safety precautions and close schools. We can get the forecast from the National Weather Service to make decisions to close schools when  snow and ice is on the roads. However this is different. This is out of the hands of the superintendent or the National Weather Service. Governors across the nation have issued executive orders completely shuttering schools. This is unprecedented. There are no rules, procedures, or policies to follow in this situation.

 

There are a couple of major unintended consequences of closing schools for extended periods of time. Some of our students do not have access to nutritious meals every day. For some, school meals may be the only meals they receive. In the time of school closure, what happens to the students’ education? Since the governor’s executive order, it has been our priority to ensure that our students continue to receive meals and we provide an opportunity for the continuity of academic engagement.

 

The order was issued on March 14th, but thanks to the prior planning of our Child Nutrition Director, Robert Parker and his dedicated Child Nutrition staff, we were able to provide meals for students on Monday, March 16th. We have continued providing meals by using our traditional high schools as pick up sites and by utilizing our buses and drivers to transport meals to those who are unable to get to the sites.  A new online form to preorder meals and get on the additional delivery routes and locations has rolled out.  We encourage anyone who has children 18 or younger and cannot get to the sites to contact their school, leave their contact information, and we will be in touch.

 

During the weekend of the closure, our senior leadership team met along with several of our directors and developed a plan to provide instructional activities to our students. With Instructional Technology Director and NC Instructional Technology Director of the Year, Acacia Dixon leading the charge, nearly 4,000 digital devices were checked out to students who needed them in order to participate in remote learning activities. This was done by March 16th.

 

Our teachers, who have been phenomenal during this time, quickly sprang into action to do what they know better than anyone else--teach. This is not to say that it has been easy for them. They are trained to teach. They know how to do that. But what can be difficult is being away from the children they see each day. Our teachers build bonds with students that last a lifetime and to be abruptly pulled away from them is something none of us are accustomed to.

 

I said in a video with Board Chair, Ellen Milligan, that each day during this time is like taking a step in the dark. It really is. Each decision may or may not be the right one, but understand that every decision is made with guidance from the state and with our students and staff in mind. We are all in the same boat now. This pandemic spans across color lines, political parties, socioeconomic levels and geographic locations. We have much to be thankful for. Just like any other organization during this time, we are struggling. It is my responsibility to ensure that we struggle well.

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

Frequently a parent will ask me before or after a meeting or sometimes even stop me during my frequent trips to Walmart and ask me what they can do to help their child be successful in school. Most of the time I do not know their child, but I do know that my experience in education has taught me while all students are different and learn at different rates, there are some basic principles which can facilitate their academic success in school.

 

I have never met a teacher who did not want every child in his or her class to succeed. They want them to demonstrate growth and improvement throughout the school year and their school career. They care about each and every one. However, it is not their job to do the students’ thinking or learning. That is the responsibility of the student. There are some strategies, I believe, which help each student succeed both in school and life.

 

A friend of mine told me that while visiting a navy destroyer, he saw a sign which he has never forgotten. It had real meaning to him and to me as well. The sign read, “He who asks a question is a fool for a minute. He who never asks a question is a fool forever.”  The bottom line and first rule to success in school is simple. If your child does not understand or something that is being taught is “fuzzy” to him or her, ask questions immediately. Seek a full understanding from the teacher.

 

A second rule for success is one my mother taught me. Always be positive. Teachers love to work with students (and parents) who are positive. The positivity will also create a “can do” attitude that will help your child have the confidence to ask questions if they do not understand. It will also help them be a role model for their peers about the power of positive thinking.

 

A quote I read recently was, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you are bound to end up somewhere.” This reinforced to me that the third rule essential for student success in school is simple--follow directions. Following rules and directions is an essential aspect of being a good student. Not doing so can lead to mistakes and decrease success.

 

Completing assignments and homework on time is another critical element in being a good student and developing the habits so essential for future success. It is important for students to remember that they will probably change jobs--on average--seven times in a lifetime. This means they must be lifelong learners who have to study and learn when assuming a new job. Doing their homework will be a requirement in any new work situation.

 

Summarily, it is important for parents and students to remember that success in school depends on actually building a skill set for future achievements in life. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Always be positive. Follow directions and make sure tasks are completed on time. These nuggets for success continue well into adulthood!

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

            As we celebrate this holiday season, I think it is only appropriate that this column offer some heartfelt gratitude for the gifts that so many parents, interested citizens, school employees, church leaders and elected and appointed officials have brought to Brunswick County Schools during 2019. Each of these groups and individuals with each has worked diligently together to make a positive difference in the lives of the children of our county.

 

            Parents, for your desire to learn more about how you can assist your child in learning, you are giving them the significant gift of modeling how important education is. Your visits to schools, phone calls, emails and holding your child accountable for his or her learning are a gift to them and the school system. Thank you for that gift.

 

            The interest by our citizens without children in the school system has been remarkable. It says to me what I intuitively have known about Brunswick County citizens. You want to be informed and involved about the matters of our schools system. Your volunteerism is second to none and it is appreciated! Your phone calls, questions at community events, and emails have been an inspiration to me. What a great gift you are giving the future adults of our community by your genuine interest in educational matters. Thank you for that gift.

 

            To all school employees, your dedication to duty and the children enrolled in the school system is so critical to the future of this county. For the voracious energy and modeling for our students each day of how important learning, sound values and consistent work ethic are, you provide them lessons over and beyond our curriculum. Thank you for that gift.

 

            To our faith based community, regardless of your role and responsibility, who have gone the extra mile to reach out to all students of our county, you are teaching them the importance of a strong faith and the importance of moral leadership. Thank you for that gift.

 

            To elected and appointed leaders of Brunswick County, you have patiently listened to the needs of the school system and have conscientiously and fairly worked with us in a very critical juncture in the history of the school system. Your support is and has always been in the interest of the children of Brunswick County. Thank you for that gift.

            It has been said many times that it takes a village to raise a child. In fact, it does. But it also takes a resolve and a desire to truly place, as the Rotary motto states, “Service Above Self”. I am proud to say I that I am blessed to live in a county that shares its various gifts to our children can learn through deeds--not words--what it means to be a conscientious, concerned and caring individual. Thank you for giving those gifts to our students. I am most grateful. Enjoy this holiday season!

 

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

Recently I was asked by a parent what educational gifts do you think would be appropriate for my child? I responded that it depends on the age of the child. Is he or she an elementary, middle or high school student? Then, I got to thinking about my response. There are some criteria that can be used to assist in gift selection for students that are universal. They are the keys to unlocking learning regardless of the grade level or age. The criteria listed below relate to the skills that students need to possess and demonstrate to be successful in the next decade of this 21st century. They are:

 

Sensory Learning Gifts

            Students learn with all of their senses. Gifts that require active, hands on development that utilize all of our senses are great learning enhancers. Studies have shown that multi-sensory learning activates a larger number of cognitive connections. Gifts that encourage students to touch, build, measure, follow, run and skip increase neural connections that result in enhanced long-term experiential recall.

 

Socialization Gifts

            Social learning is nothing new. Research by Albert Bandura revealed that people can learn from each other through observation, imitation and modeling. This line of thinking holds true today. Communication and collaboration are critical skills that are essential to preparing young people for the world outside the classroom doors. Gifts of games can develop skills that result in students learning how to evaluate alternative perspectives.

 

Higher Order Thinking Gifts

            Jobs both now and in the future will require students to both think and apply knowledge. Gifts that enhance a student’s ability to demonstrate innovative thinking, applications, products and inventions--regardless of age--will help them perform at the highest levels of thinking. Most importantly, they will build thinking skills essential for future academic and work success.

 

Gifts of Time

            Probably the most important gift for a child, however, is that of time. In our fast-paced lives, sometimes all of us need a reminder of how important it is that we give our children and other family members the gift of time. One of my leadership philosophies is to “take time for yourself and your family”. Time is such a precious commodity, and by gifting it to children, adults can convey other learning experiences such as face to face conversation. Conversations with our children indicate to them that their points of view are important. However, more importantly, it is also a time in which adults can teach the importance of education to his or her future.

 

            While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional or latest “toys”, we could consider also looking gifts that have an affect on cognitive development. A combination of hearts, minds and bodies has always contributed to the betterment of our world. Sensory learning, socialization, and higher order thinking gifts are the gifts that keep on giving not only at the holiday season, but throughout life. Please consider these criteria when selecting gifts for children. I think you will see the benefits of this approach!

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

One of the questions that I am frequently asked by parents is about the types of services the school system provides for children with disabilities. I thought I would use this column to share some information that might be helpful to readers. This column will provide general information about special education and related services in addition to the school supports that are implemented to support at-risk learners.  Subsequent columns will focus on other facets of this very important part of the work we do to ensure that all students are educated.

 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was originally enacted by the United States Congress in 1975. Article 9, Section 115C of the North Carolina General Statutes is the State law concerning the education of students with disabilities.  Currently, according to the United States Department of Education, there are approximately 14% of public school students that receive services under the privilege of the law. Brunswick County Schools serves approximately 1800 students with disabilities totaling 14.4% of the student population.  

 

Federal law mandates the provision of a free and appropriate public school education for eligible students from ages 3 to 21. Eligible students are those identified by the IEP team which consists of the parent/guardian and a multidisciplinary team of professionals.  Eligibility for special education is determined by a three prong approach. First, the individual should meet the criteria for one or more of the fourteen disabling conditions consistent with North Carolina Policy 1500-2. The disability must also have an adverse effect on educational performance and require specially designed instruction. 

 

The categories and percentage of students with disabilities that are served by Brunswick County Schools are as follows:

Specific Learning Disability--36%
Speech or Language Impaired--8%
Other Health Impairment--21%
Autism--9%
Developmental Delay--8%
Intellectual Disability--6%
Emotional Disability--4%
Multiple Disabilities--2%
Hearing Impairment--6%
Orthopedic Impairment--.1%
Visually Impaired--.2%
Traumatic Brain Injury--.4%
Deafness--.1%
Deaf Blind--0%.

Based on data from the National Center for Educational Statistics, the Brunswick County Schools student population mirrors that of the national average.

 

To best answer the question regarding the types of services provided for children with disabilities, it is important to understand that services for children with disabilities are truly designed to meet the unique needs of the individual and thus are individualized for each child.  

 

Brunswick County Schools works to identify individuals with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services by utilizing a multi-tiered framework otherwise known as MTSS.  When students are exhibiting risk factors in academic, behavior, social/emotional, and/or functional skills, at-risk plans are developed by grade level teams in conjunction with the parent to provide targeted intervention in the regular education classroom. In the event that  students are not making progress in the general education classroom in spite of targeted intervention, students are referred to a multi-disciplinary Individual Student Team (IST) to plan for more intensive support and targeted intervention. Individual student teams review data, develop targeted intervention plans based on data and monitor student progress toward goals outlined in intervention plans. The individual student teams convene at consistent and specified intervals to monitor student targeted assistance plans. When students are not making progress in spite of targeted intervention for their identified need(s), students are then referred to the IEP team for further evaluation to determine eligibility for special education and related services.

 

In Brunswick County Schools, we believe that all students are general education students first regardless of whether or not the individual may have a disability. The students are entitled to receive their services in the least restrictive environment. It is the vision of Brunswick County Schools to develop a community of well-educated, employable and socially responsible citizens that are college and career ready.  We believe that working together as a school and community to support our students with disabilities will only enhance long term outcomes for all of our students. In the event that parents/guardians have concerns about their child’s education, you should reach out to your child’s teacher or school administrators for support. All children can learn when given the right opportunities, and we strive each day to ensure a collaboration that allows for equal access for all children. 

 

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

          John Gardner, a noted scholar, public servant and leader once noted in his book, No Easy Victories, “ I am entirely certain that twenty years from now we will look back on education as it is practiced in most schools today and we would wonder that we could have tolerated anything so primitive—in the end it is the love of learning, curiosity, self-discipline, the capacity to think clearly that will define the key to a good education.” His comments are so true and appropriate for today’s society.

 

          If one thinks just about the area of technology and its impact on society it is apparent that it was not part of the strategic thinking of schools twenty or ten years ago. In the past fifteen years, just in the area of technology we have seen great strides made that have affected our daily lives. Holography, fiber optics, flash drives, satellite to roof top communications, have all changed the way we gather and process information. Tablets and the ubiquitous cell phone have become handheld computers that enable us to talk, read our email, send and receive text messages, remind us of our daily schedules, provide us music and directions to unknown locations among a plethora of other things. This is an impressive list of innovations, and not only have they impacted our personal lives, they have impacted our schools. Yet, for the most part, the classrooms across our nation are just as they were in the 1950s—replete with desks in a row with a teacher in front of the classroom with a textbook as the primary form of learning.

 

          It is an interesting paradox to live in such a technologically driven society but have a primitive expectation of learning in schools across our society. I am proud to say that in our school system, we have worked hard to ensure that our students continue to stay abreast of technological advances and use these advances to enhance their learning. Our students come to us typically as digital or technological “natives”. Our students have always lived in a world where cell phones, tablets, and Google searches existed. Therefore, when they come to school their learning should not be slowed down by the lack of technological resources they are accustomed to using at home. To this end, our Instructional Technology Department led by Acacia Dixon and our Technology Services Department, led by Debra Bair have worked together to provide every student with devices to be used in conjunction with teacher-prepared lessons so that they have a 21^st Century learning experience. Through careful planning, purchasing, and allocation, we will reach our goal of one device for every BCS student during the 2019-2020 school year.  As we move forward our focus will be on maximizing these devices to prepare our students for career, college, and beyond.

 

          So what should a school system do to bring societal advances that dictate new skills that students must master and render obsolete those things of the past. First of all, the school system should begin by asking the following questions:

 

1. What will be the resource issues in five to ten years?
2. How will these resources be allocated?
3. How will the county, state, and federal resources be distributed?
4. What will people need to know in the future?
5. How will learning be different in the future?
6. What will the technology of the future be like?
7. What other unknown forces will impact our lives?
8. What do our current customers think about our schools?

 

Answers to these and other questions, will enable decision makers to better plans for the future.   The Brunswick County Board of Education, being very much aware of the need to bring the school system in line with emerging and future learning needs of the children and youth of the county, and the reality of today’s world of work demands, have begun the process of strategically planning for the future educational direction of the system which will enable us to address these and other questions so essential for future resource allocations.

 

          In June, 2019 a five year strategic plan was adopted by the Board of Education to meet this and other society challenges impacting the school district.  Future columns will focus on other facets of the strategic plan.

 

 

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

Many things make Brunswick County a great place to reside. Whether you enjoy the beautiful coastline and beaches, the professionally manicured golf courses, the serene countryside or the ever increasing planned communities, Brunswick County has something for everyone. However, what ultimately makes Brunswick County a wonderful place to live is its citizens.

 

As evidenced during Hurricane Dorian, the people of this county genuinely are about each other. During the hurricane, I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most selfless people I have ever met. We worked collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Brunswick County. We worked as a team to determine the needs of our county. We worked as a team to determine the best time to close our schools and open shelters. We worked as a team to determine what supplies were required in different areas of the county. We participated in conference calls with leaders of each municipality to assess needs and provide support. While many of the people in the room carry distinguished titles, egos were left elsewhere. Overcoming yet another hurricane became our purpose.

 

The best quality of the people in Brunswick County is that it doesn’t take a natural event to have to prompt collaboration. I have found that this is the “Brunswick County Way”. We care for each other and demonstrate it by putting the needs of others above our own. Each person gathered at the Emergency Operations Center during this and previous storms, all have families and property they are concerned about. Despite these fears, they bravely rescue and transport citizens with special needs, field continuous calls, patrol our highways to assist stranded motorists, and make sure our utility systems are in working order. I would like to personally thank the following Brunswick County and NC agencies that continue to be true partners with Brunswick County Schools: Health and Human Services, Sheriff’s Office, Environmental Health, EMS, Social Services, Utilities services, Fire and Rescue, Marine Patrol, and NC State Highway Patrol. Their work behind the scenes not only during major times of distress--but every day--is what makes this county one of the best places to live and work!

 

As your superintendent, I have the privilege of leading a school system of 12,500 students in 19 (soon to be 20!) schools. I truly enjoy this experience.Yet, this position is simply one of service to not only the students of Brunswick County, but to all of its citizens. Each of the leaders I had the opportunity to work with demonstrated the true essence of servant leadership. We should be proud of the service they provide to all of us. I am truly proud to call Brunswick County home!

 

 

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools 

 

 

One skill that is needed for success in school and life is character.  It is the one, non-monetary/non-material gift that a parent/guardian can give a child. It is not a gift they will grow bored with and toss into a pile.  It provides a foundation for their success.  Good character and integrity are prevention tools for self-discipline and controlling anger.

 

Being a good, conscientious citizen is so important for the type of world we live in today.  And, with all the turmoil and violence in today's world, it is even more important that parents/guardians go the extra mile to help their child develop the characteristics for good citizenship at home and at school.

  

To teach your child to be respectful and courteous to others, it begins with you. You can begin by modeling for your child by being consistent in saying to your child “please” and “thank you”.   The use of these three simple words will go a long way in helping your child to use these words when in conversation with others.

 

Another behavior that parents can demonstrate to teach their child to be respectful and courteous to others is to not interrupt. When you interrupt someone in the middle of a sentence or change the television channel without asking, then a child learns that it is okay to interrupt. If you can teach your child not to interrupt others, you will have given them a gift of developing the habit of being respectful of others that will last a lifetime.

 

Developing responsibility is another major element in building good character and citizenship. You can also model this important habit in a variety of ways. One is to give your child chores to do at home. These chores might be daily or weekly. Make sure they are reasonable and age appropriate. When they demonstrate initiative over and beyond those chores by doing others that were not assigned, reward them with positive praise. This will reinforce your child’s initiative and help them learn that being responsible brings intrinsic rewards.

 

Another important way is to teach your child responsibility is to offer him or her choices. Talk about the pros and cons of each choice. In time, he or she will learn to make wise choices on a consistent basis.

 

Lastly, when you make a mistake admit it. This will teach your child that it is okay to make an honest mistake and that one should admit it when they do. This teaches them to be responsible for their actions and to be honest about them with themselves and others.

 

Respect and courtesy, responsibility and self-discipline are learned behaviors. They are learned from adults. Parents are a child’s first teacher. Regardless of how old your child is, he or she will learn these characteristics by observing you and other adults.

           

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

 

 

 

 

It has been said that we are creatures of habit. Typically, we go through the same routine to get ready for work, take the same route, and oftentimes, we do the same things everyday. There is really nothing wrong with that. It’s comfortable, easy, and familiar.  However, when we think about what we do each day as it relates to our students, we have to be able to think “out of the box”. However, we never really think about why we are in that box in the first place.

 

In our recently held administrators’ retreat, I challenged our principals, assistant principals, directors, supervisors and senior leadership to strive for continuous improvement. As mentioned earlier, thinking out of the box has been a buzzword for some time, but it is my belief that we have been “confined to the box” because we continually do what we have been doing. In an attempt to have others join this belief, I introduced “Ben Doing” as an employee that we should rid ourselves of. Ben Doing is comfortable, easy to get along with and always there when you need him. We also call for him when we are making decisions. I am sure at some point when making a decision you have asked, “What have we been (Ben) doing ”?

 

It is so easy to look for Ben Doing instead of looking for ways to be creative or innovative. I will be the first to admit that I have relied on Ben for a while. However, I have decided as a leader that while what we have been doing may not necessarily be bad, it can be better. There is always room for improvement. That is what the #IFiredBenDoing movement is about. It is not just for us a school system, but it is for anyone who wants to depart from our comfort zones. I have decided to fire Ben Doing because our students deserve the best creative and innovative educational experience we can offer.

 

I now challenge you, the wonderful citizens of Brunswick County, to Fire Ben Doing!

#IFiredBenDoing

Dr. Jerry L. Oates, Superintendent of Schools

 

Soon the first day of school will begin. For those entering kindergarten, it is typically a traumatic time of anticipation, anxiety, apprehension for both the child and his or her parents. This week I wish to share a poem with readers that underscores what many feel on this special day. Although the authorship of the poem has been debated, it has been attributed to President Abraham Lincoln.

 

“Take My Child by The Hand”

My son starts school today. It is all going to be strange and new to him for a while and I wish you would treat him gently. It is an adventure that might take him across continents. All adventures that probably include wars, tragedy and sorrow. To live this life will require faith, love and courage.

 

So dear Teacher, will you please take him by his hand and teach him things he will have to know, teaching him – but gently, if you can. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend. He will have to know that all men are not just, that all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero, that for every crooked politician, there is a dedicated leader.

 

Teach him if you can that 10 cents earned is of far more value than a dollar found. In school, teacher, it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to learn how to gracefully lose, and enjoy winning when he does win.

 

Teach him to be gentle with people, tough with tough people. Steer him away from envy if you can and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Teach him if you can – how to laugh when he is sad, teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success. Teach him to scoff at cynics.  

 

Teach him if you can the wonders of books, but also give time to ponder the extreme mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on a green hill. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong.

 

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is doing it. Teach him to listen to everyone, but teach him also to filter all that he hears on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through.

 

Teach him to sell his talents and brains to the highest bidder but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patient to be brave. Teach him to have sublime faith in himself, because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind, in God.

This is the order, teacher but see what best you can do. He is such a nice little boy and he is my son.

 

          This message sets forth high standards for not only kindergarten teachers but all of us in the Brunswick County Schools who have the privilege of serving each family and citizen. Be assured that each day of this school year, as a team—teachers, administrators and board members, we will diligently strive to make sure every child becomes a well-educated, employable and socially responsible citizen.