Building Relationships
Published 4:46 pm Friday, August 30, 2024
- Northampton Public Schools Central Office staff taking part in last week’s tour of communities throughout the county were, from left, Iesha Spencer, Sherita Cobb, Shonta Peterson, Monica Edmonds, Northampton County Board of Education Chair Barbara Stephenson, Dr. Mark Long, Dr. Amy Draper, Trey Everette, Superintendent Dr. Rosa Atkins, Darlene Riddick, Catherine B. Moody, Patricia Harris, and Ryan Branch. Not pictured is BOE Vice Chair Clinton Williams. Photo by Northampton County Schools
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JACKSON – Northampton County Schools is building community relationships beyond the classroom walls.
Treats from Family Flavored Ice helped to cool off these two youngsters on a hot summer day. Photo by Northampton County Schools
Several district staff members traveled around the county on Thursday, Aug. 22 to visit communities and meet with students ahead of the beginning of the school year. The initiative was a part of the district’s goal to strengthen relationships between parents, students, and the schools.
“We want our students to know just how important their presence is to us and that they are our top priority,” said Northampton Schools Superintendent Dr. Rosa Atkins. “We also aim to build strong community connections, ensuring that everyone knows this is a partnership.”
The team of 13 staff members boarded an activity bus at the Central Office in Jackson at 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning, and then traveled to different areas of the county, ranging from Gaston and Garysburg in the west, Rich Square and Woodland in the south, Conway in the northeast, and several locations in between. They wrapped up the day around 3 p.m.
“Our district spans 60 miles, and some of our students spend a significant amount of time on buses each day. As a district office, we gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges our students and bus drivers face daily,” Dr. Atkins said.
At each stop, students were provided with school supplies and book bags, along with cold treats from Child Nutrition Department staffers and the local icy truck, Family Flavored Ice.
Dr. Atkins said there was an electric sense of excitement from the students each time the bus arrived.
“Watching students rush out the door, and families bringing other children from their homes to join us, was truly amazing,” she recounted. “The smiles on our students’ faces said it all, and with each stop, more families joined in as parents spread the word that the bus was on its way.”
A Northampton Schools staff member is shown with two students who each wear a new book bag given out as part of the community tour. Photo by Northampton County Schools
“It was a day of meaningful conversations, relationship building, and open dialogue,” she continued. “This event was about more than just riding a bus; it was about fellowship and showing that we are here for our community.”
She explained that an outreach event like this also helps the community get to know the district’s staff, so that they’re not simply “just the people who work at the Central Office.” They’re a part of the community as well.
The superintendent noted that this wasn’t just a standalone event, but the beginning of a journey for the district that will continue all year long.
“This experience provided valuable insights that will guide our future decisions. My office has a desk, but I can’t lead our district from behind it. I need to be out in the community, showing our families that I am a part of it,” Dr. Atkins concluded.
