Wednesday, August 14, 2024
SANFORD, NC - Thousands of students returned to their schools from summer break on Wednesday as Lee County Schools began the 2024-2025 school year for those on the traditional calendar. Fifteen schools operate on the traditional calendar in the district, and those campuses joined Tramway Elementary and Lee Early College which began classes earlier this year.
Central Office staff joined bus drivers on their morning routes throughout the district before sunrise, welcoming students and sharing in the excitement of their first day. “Welcoming students on the bus and seeing the smiles of elementary students ready to come back to school was really the highlight of my day,” said Dr. Lisa Duffey, who serves as the Executive Director of Student Services for the district.
Duffey continued, “One of the things I miss most about transitioning from being a principal to being in the central office is the daily interactions with students. This morning was a refreshing start to my day and a great reminder of why I do what I do each day.”
Across the district, spirits and energy were high as buses rolled very smoothly with minimal disruptions and new administrators met some students for the first time. Enrollment was also up significantly from the end of last year, a positive sign according to Dr. Chris Dossenbach, Superintendent of Lee County Schools.
He issued a challenge to staff across the district on Tuesday night via email, asking that they, “make this the best year yet. Let’s come to work every day with a positive attitude, ready to give our best for students. Let’s focus on what truly matters – creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential.”
There are a number of changes impacting the district this year, including a change to a new Student Information System, required by the state Department of Public Instruction to the introduction of new curriculum in various subjects. As with any major change, there are still challenges ahead for the administrators and faculty but Dr. Dossenbach asked staff to lean into change in the coming year.
“Change, as we all know, can be difficult,” he said via email to staff. “It can bring uncertainty and require us to step out of our comfort zones. But with change also comes the opportunity to grow, innovate, and improve the ways we support our students.”
Further, during Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting he asked for all in the community, particularly parents, to be patient with staff and teachers as they work through the changes and inevitable difficulties that come with major change. “The shift from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus, mandated by the state, has presented a significant learning curve for staff as far as student schedules, parent information and access to information. So we ask for patience, kindness, and understanding as we work through these issues, many of which are beyond our control.”
Despite the challenges ahead, the sense of optimism and determination across Lee County Schools is palpable. As the new school year unfolds, there is a shared commitment to making it a time of growth and success for both students and staff. Lee County Schools is poised to not only meet these challenges but to thrive, ensuring that the 2024-2025 school year will be one of the best yet for everyone involved.
