Youth, accompanied by parents, pick up free school supplies at the Back to School Rally held Saturday, July 28, at the Greene County High School.

The gymnasium at Greene County High School was filled with parents, students, family members and teachers at the annual Back-to-School Rally, held on Saturday, July 28.

“On vision, one voice, one victory” was the slogan of the day as speakers informed the students and parents what to expect in the upcoming school year.

Greene County High Principal Gary Rice, told the students in grades 10-12 to expect mandatory tests which were very important to their future.

He encouraged them to work as hard as they could on their studies throughout the school year.

Barbara Martin, principal at Carver Middle School, talked about the introduction of  creative writing, poetry and art clubs. “We are working in our community,” she said. “We want to be able to compete with anyone out there.”

Paramount Principal Frederick Square told parents that the development of a chapter of the National Honor Society would be part of the school year at Paramount, as well as a technology club.

“Our school will focus on acadamics,” he said. “We are AYP focused,” said Square.

Eutaw Primary School Principal Sharon Jennings told parents and others at the Rally, “We have been working extremely hard to make sure your child gets the best education possible.  We are ready for you.”

Joe Webb, Supervisor of Transportation, reminded everyone that the rules on the school buses would be strictly enforced. “Getting to school safely is our goal,” he said, advising the parents, “We need your help and support.

 He emphasized that no bullying would be allowed on the buses and also asked that anyone who has moved over the summer notify the transportation department.

Ms. Freddie Merriweather, Supervisor of the Free and Reduced Meal Breakfast and Lunch programs, talks about these programs and advised parents to check and see if their children were eligible for either program,

Federal Program Director Shirley Ezell reminded the parents to sign the Parent-Teacher Contract that their children will bring home at the beginning of school. “This is part of how we get our  Federal Funds,” she explained.

She also reminded them that “Together we will achieve academic excellence, but it is important that we work together!”

Technology Coordinator  Cynthia Crawford spoke of the computers in the school and of the school’s internet policy.

She advised the parents that if a child was not in school by 10:00 a.m., they would be marked absent for  that day. Truancy Officer Cindy Taylor joined in, telling parents that a child must attend school a certain number of days in each school year.

Superintendent Dr. Emma Louie opened her statement with her slogan, “One Vision, One Voice, One Victory.

“Our schools have made progress. Our citizens and our parents need to come together. Our children need to get whatever they need to get the education that they deserve,” Louie said.

She also spoke of the new high school and the upcoming vote on the 3 mill ad valorem tax increase which must be passed by the citizens to make sure this new school is a complete school. “Parents,” she said , I don’t think  1/2 of a school or 3/4 of a school is what we need. We need a whole  school. In  November, we will vote on whether or not our children will get a whole school  If you vote yes, you can say, ‘That is my school. You can say I had a part in that!”

District Judge Lillie Jones- Osborne closed the program by repeating the slogan, “One Vision, One Voice, One Victory!”

She said, “Dr. Louie  has a vision and we want you to buy into that vision. I want the very best for our children.”Everyone was reminded that August 20 is the first day of school, and that on Friday, August 10, there would be a Back to  School Rally for parents to be held at the high school.

The program ended and students were given free school supplies and a  box lunch. A number of businesses, churches,   organizations and elected officials helped fund this program for the students of the Greene County School System.