LEMS Principal’s Weblog

This past weekend, I attended a conference for administrators. The theme of the conference was “Many Voices, One Message”. This theme spoke to educator’s role in the political process. Educators comprise one of the largest voting blocks in our state. However, rarely do we coordinate our efforts to effect political change. Unfortunately, public education has come under increasing scrutiny and even attack by some corners. This is the reality of the current political atmosphere. We, the educational community, must become active participants in the political process. Indeed, the era of political apathy has to come to an end. If we do not become involved, then we cannot complain about the outcome. It is our civic duty to be an informed and engaged electorate.

January 10, 2008 was another red-letter day in the story of Lugoff-Elgin Middle School. On this date, we were named as a Finalist for the Palmetto’s Finest Award. As the principal, I could not be prouder of our students and staff. The hard work and dedication they produce on a daily basis is noteworthy. This recognition is also a testament to the relationship between our school, our parents, and our community as a whole. When the school is recognized for excellence, that turns everyone’s eye towards Lugoff and Kershaw County. There is much to be proud of in our community and much to share. We will have another visit in the near future and hope to make an equally positive impression on these visitors. I want everyone to know what I already know. Lugoff-Elgin Middle School is one of the best middle schools in the Palmetto State.

After Christmas was over and I was carrying on with the daily business of life in Kershaw County, I would run into parents, students, and friends. Invariably, the question would get asked, “Are you ready to go back to school?” Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed my time off with my family. However, I have two families, my regular family and my school family. By January 3rd was ready to see my school family. It was time to get back to business. On January 7th, we did just that. Lugoff-Elgin Middle School got back into the business of educating the best students in S.C. We have 77 school days until the PACT test. There isn’t a moment to lose or a day to be wasted. It is time to get back to business.