TOMMIE SAYLOR: Another year in -- and for -- the books!

“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.”

-- Lucius Annaeus Seneca

By Tommie Saylor

Kennedy High School Principal

Another year is in the books. But this was not just an ordinary year. It was a year where great strides were made, students blossomed, and the staff here at Kennedy High School grew closer together.  It was a good year.

This does not mean that we didn’t have our fair share of challenges, for roadblocks and hurdles were a plenty.  What it does mean, is that when we were confronted with a challenge, we attacked the issue with teamwork, professionalism and decorum. We resolved the issues in a way that benefitted all those involved.  In short, we gave it our all – though our “all” sometimes was not good enough, we did leave everything on the field, performing our jobs with the utmost fidelity.

With this being said, and with this being my final update for the school year, I would like to thank all those that made this good school year possible. 

The staff at Kennedy High School is second to none and the dedication, commitment, loyalty and enthusiasm for students are inspirational.  This is true not just for the teachers, who are some of the finest instructors in the business, but also for the clerical, maintenance, academic teaching assistants and lay personnel staffs.  Essentially, all those who work at Kennedy have contributed greatly to our continued success, and the success of our students.

This year we have received honors from both within the district and from without. We have seen some of our teams achieve remarkable success, and some of our students receive recognition not just within our league and our state, but also on a national level.  We have made some noise, and I believe that Kennedy is finally beginning to be recognized for who we truly are, one of the finest educational institutions within the state. 

The 2014-2015 school year has been arguably one of our finest years, but I can’t wait to see what 2015-2016 will bring.

See you in the fall.

What starts here, changes the world. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.

MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Have a nice summer!

McDowell Elementary School students are gone but not forgotten. The principal, Ms. Borg and the staff wish all of our families a safe and happy summer filled with fun, learning and reading together.

EUREKA HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Hey Mrs. Hall, we gotcha!

Eureka Heights Elementary School fifth graders say, "gotcha!"

Recently, Ms. Valleau's and Mr. Beddingfield's classes got to silly string their principal, Mrs. Hall. The PTA decked her out in bedazzled googles and hairnet complete with lights, birds and a cape. And on the count of the three – the squirting began!

Mrs. Hall is going to miss her fifth graders and they sure will remember this fun time.

RANDALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Fifth-grade commencement honors standout class

Randall Elementary School recently held its Fifth-Grade Commencement Ceremony.

One hundred and 20 students graduated from fifth grade on June 5. Again the school was able to use The Harbor facilities to accommodate the large amount of parents and family who attended.

Some special awards that were presented included the American Citizenship Award, the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the Margaret Pilon Citizen of the Year Award.

The American Citizenship award was presented to 24 students. There were three recipients for the President’s Award and the Margaret Pilon Award was given this year to two recipients.

The Margaret Pilon Award was started in memory of one of Randall’s past principals for outstanding citizenship all year. This was awarded to Chloe G. and Brooklyn T. Congratulations to both!

After the commencement the students had a catered meal and then the dancing began. All provided by our wonderful parent club, P.R.I.D.E. The school would like to thank them for all of their help in making the day special for the fifth grade students.

All the staff from Randall would like to wish nothing but the best to the fifth graders as they move through their education!