When classes start on Monday, students at The Varnett Public School can expect to see a staff that’s committed to leadership, excellence, strong instruction, student safety and the district’s mission statement.
Professional development sessions have been ongoing since teachers and staff reported to work on Aug. 8. The highlight was a well-attended “Building to the Core” conference and workshops at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near NRG Stadium, followed by more preparation at the campuses.
The conference featured guest speakers Mr. Ed “The Rainmaker” Robinson, an expert in leadership development, and Dr. Cherry Gooden, a former associate professor and chairwoman of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Southern University in Houston.
Key topics included leadership, teaching strategies, customer service, food service and transportation safety, health and making a transformative difference in the lives of our students.
“We're stretching out to meet the needs of all of our kids,” said Dr. Margaret Stroud, Varnett's superintendent. But she added, “We have to be better if people are going to choose us.”
Dr. Matthew Plummer, president of Varnett’s board of directors, praised the work of the superintendent since she took over the job in August 2014. As an example, he cited the significant increase in the number of highly qualified teachers and teacher aides at Varnett under her leadership.
“We could not have done this without Dr. Stroud," Dr. Plummer said.
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