Friday, October 7, 2011

Measures of Success


There is a famous line from a movie that says "If you build it, they will come." That line totally speaks to high expectations. In HPSD, we believe in and support student engagement opportunities that include high expectations. We believe in providing meaningful opportunities that allow students to excel in ways that channel their talents and abilities. We have a Forensics Team that is the premier program in the state, and that continues to win in the state and across the country. Our band and auxiliary groups supported by the band are competitive and perform at a high level in competition. Our athletic programs reflect pride and respect, and they compete to win. Our high school girls volleyball team is regional champ for the third year in a row!  We have one of the few orchestra programs in the state that engages students in grades 5-12. They perform in competitions and events around the sate and country. Just recently the Chamber Orchestra performed at the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children State Conference. Click here to see video from that performance.

Douglas Reeves, a well-known researcher in education, stated that the true measure for accountability with school and student success is student engagement. Many times our students do not see the importance of a quality education or the purpose for learning. Involvement in programs like those above can help provide the connection for learning and purpose for our students. Additionally, engagement enhances their confidence and gives them the vision to forecast what they can become. High student engagement is also a factor in their academic success as well as promoting attendance. I challenge the schools, faith-based organization, and our community to seek ways to engage children to increase their motivation and to sustain their confidence. Our students' success will be measured not only in test scores, but by the growth and success of our community and our world for generations to come.

"There's no greater insight into the future than recognizing that when
we save our children, we save ourselves." - Margaret Mead


James Q. Bacchus

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