| Dorchester County Public Schools 2002-2003 Calendar |
| Mission Statement |
| To assure that every child will learn by providing rigorous educational programs that challenge and engage all students; school environments that are safe, friendly, and nurturing; and exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to providing a child-centered climat. |
| Vision Statement |
| Through a cooperative and supportive partnership among the school, home, and community, the Dorchester County Public Schools will provide continously improving educational programs which enable all students to acquire the self-descipline, knowledge and skills necessary to become creative, self-sufficient, lifelong learners and productive citizens. |
| System Goals |
| : To establish high academic expectations for all children, particularly in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics : To provide a well-trained, caring staff with strong visionary leadership : To give all children access to new technology as a tool for learning :To encourage parent/family involvement in the schools :To make our schools safe, disciplined, and drug free |
| Superintendent's Message |
| This is indeed a welcome- a welcome and an invitation to meet as many students and parents as possible during the 2002-2003 school year. I hope every parent is looking forward to the many learning opportunities awaiting their child. Our goal is to provide a safe and high-quality learning eenvironment, and it is very important towards the achievement of that goal that everyone knows the policies and guidelines that we will follow. As before, this year's calendar will contain a working version of many relevant policies and procedures that might be useful to parents and students throughout the school year. Questions dealing with these matters can be addressed to the principal where your child attends. As your new Superintendent, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to serve the parents, students, and citizens of Dorchester County. I have met many wonderful people in the short time since my arrival, and everyone has expressed a sincere desire to see the students of Dorchester County do well. I am confident that together we can work to ensure all children have the opportunity and right environment for them to succeed. A very critical issue that we will be attending to this year is the impact of the "No Child Left Behind Act." The effects of this law can be far reaching, and understanding all the ramifications will be a challenge. Closing the achievement gap is a top priority, and efforts to do so must be culturally responsive and systemic in nature. Another area that will command time and attention will include a combined teacher and administrator effort to construct a fair and effective evaluation system. School improvement strategies, and assessment methods will be an emphasis of a reorganized department of instructional services. Tied to this will be the need to assess the effectiveness of curriculum and instructional practices. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it is great work; and I look to the challenges. It is my sincere wish for all stakeholders to have a successful and productive new school year in Dorchester County Public Schools Jim Reilly Superintendent of Schools |