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JPS Employees Come Together for 2019 Spring Convocation
January 22, 2019
Convocation speakers and presenters (from left) 2017–2018 JPS Parent of the Year Willis Barker Jr.; Khelcie Ford, Student Board Member, Callaway High School; Rev. Kevin Muriel, Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta; Dr. Errick L. Greene, JPS Superintendent; Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba; Dr. Kathleen Grigsby, 2017–2018 JPS Administrator of the Year; and Malaika Quarterman, 2017–2018 Teacher of the Year |
Jackson Public Schools welcomed employees back from winter break with a Spring Convocation on January 7. The Districtwide event was a high priority for newly-appointed Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene. The program included presentations, celebrations, and motivational addresses aimed at rallying the District's employees around the theme of "Transforming Lives Through Excellent Education."
Dr. Greene shared with the audience the four top values that guide his work and what he believes—excellence, constant and continuous improvement, service, and a strong and positive culture.
"We have chosen as the theme for this morning's convocation 'Transforming Lives Through Education Excellent Education,'" said Dr. Greene. "I absolutely believe that it is excellence every day, excellence in everything that we do that will make the difference in the lives of our children and our communities."
Rev. Kevin Muriel, the senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, was the keynote speaker. Muriel's topic "Being Motivated to Make Things Better," reminded all in attendance of our purpose as employees of the school district.
"You are still the overwhelming inspiration and motivation that children need today, and the truth is, making a difference in a child's life cannot simply be quantified by a paycheck or in accolades," said Muriel. "Much like being a pastor, being an educator is a sacred calling. You serve at the intersection, and often as intercessors, between the home and the culture. When a child doesn't have consistency in their home, they turn to you. When they are in trouble, they turn to you. When they need guidance about life, they turn to you. When they succeed, you are often the very first person they reach out to to tell about their success. In other words, you actually have the power to speak life into young people to literally help change the trajectory of their existence, and this is what makes your work sacred."
JPS School Board President Dr. Jeanne Middleton Hairston and Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba also gave remarks during the program. High-performance teachers and schools were highlighted as part of the program. During roll call, each school and department was acknowledged, further emphasizing each employee’s role in improving the lives of students, the District and the community at large.
More Coverage:
- Spring Convocation 2019, JPS ITV, January 17, 2019