Sound education will require that we loosen poverty’s grip

Although there was expectation that the Rowan-Salisbury School System’s State Performance Grades might encounter a “dip” because of initiation of new technology, the “dip” was much greater than many anticipated. While there are reasons for this, I do not believe they are absolutes that must be accepted without question. They are simply obstacles that must be overcome.

Of these, according to the Education Consumers Foundation report, third-grade reading proficiency is the most critical indicator of a student’s educational success. Since children in poverty all too often enter school two or three grade levels behind their peers, they begin their educational future at a major disadvantage. Other social issues such as drug abuse and gang-related activities are also major impediments to educational success. Until these issues are seriously addressed, the most talented teacher with the most advanced technological tools will find success in the classroom difficult, if not impossible.

In addition to being a hindrance to education, there is another “unintended” consequence of poverty. Poor performing schools escalate their negativity by driving families out of the community, adding even more stress to an already stressed community.

Loosening poverty’s grasp on a child’s future is the best road to a sound education.  As parents, educators and citizens, we will be held responsible if we allow poverty or systemic failure of government or society to hold our wards hostage.

Although I do not possess the administrative skills of a competent school administrator, I am not blind to its presence in others, including R/SSS’ administrative leadership. I suggest we look to the future with a degree of hope and give new programs such as Achieve3000 time to come to fruition. Perhaps not three or four more years as some suggest, but at least wait and see what “a difference a day makes.”

— Chuck Hughes

Salisbury

Hughes is a member of the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education.

 

 A loss for Salisbury

Regarding Brian Davis’ departure as executive director of Historic Salisbury Foundation:

Sad not only for those involved with Historic Salisbury Foundation but sad for everyone in the City of Salisbury whom Brian Davis helped to make Salisbury a better place to call home. Thank you, Brian, for all you have done in the three short years since you came to Salisbury. You will be missed.

— Bob Lambrecht

Salisbury 

 

Recovery fellowship

I want to bring attention to a group that is making a difference in peoples’ lives. This group is made up of individuals who have been “hurt” by others; they themselves may have “hurt” others, have some other “hang-up” about themselves and/or have some form of a “habit,” be it emotional, physical or chemically induced. We in this group gather together once a week, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., at Trading Ford Baptist Church on Longs Ferry Road (704-633-5986). We dine together (5:30-6:30), fellowship together and show concern through our understanding and love for each other (6:30-8:30).

We turn our hurts, hang-ups and habits over to our gracious, merciful and loving savior, Jesus Christ, and allow him to guide us in whatever direction he deems correct. Participants allow themselves to observe and learn through classes and testimonies that they are not alone in their struggles.

We are “Celebrate Recovery,” a faith-based program that works! We are a safe place; what’s said or done here, stays here; everything is very confidential. If you would like a positive change in your life or feel that you’re at the end of your rope, come visit us and let God set you free. Remember, “Celebrate Recovery,” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Trading Ford Baptist Church on Longs Ferry Road.

See you there, and God bless all, for it says in Isaiah 57:18-19, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.”

— Jeff Long

Salisbury