St. Clair Schools Superintendent Jenny Seals shared with the Board of Education Monday during a meeting they were given clearance they could submit a letter asking to not make up the days lost to the storm.
“I submitted my letter to State Superintendent Dr. Joe Morton and explained to him what happened in our county,” Seals said. “He approved my request. I felt so blessed that we were able to do that. To me, the quality of education means more that the quantity of days. And that’s all we would be doing — just making up days.”
Seals said she is proud of all the many students, teachers, and other education employees who spent time helping those in need during the recent tragedy.
“Our kids learn more in a lifetime by helping and doing community service than they would being in the classroom,” she said.
Also at the BOE meeting, Rev. James Sampley thanked school personnel at the Ashville schools for everything they were able to do during a hectic time early on during the storms.
“As the need for basic living supplies arose, the halls of the Ashville Middle School became a depository for supplies,” Sampley said. “This effort required the help of many volunteers who came to sort clothing, organize supplies, and deliver the needed items to the Shoal Creek Valley community.”
Sampley said AMS principal Phillip Johnson rose to the forefront in the beginning and supervised and led a group of students, teachers, staff, and community members who began to meet the needs of many.
“The cooperation and work of Dr. Jason Baker and Mrs. Patti Johnson was an example of our school system working for a better community,” Sampley said. “The tireless effort of CNP director Judy Sampley should be recognized. She and volunteer lunchroom employees planned and served hot meals daily to those in need.”
Sampley said he was thrilled to live in a community where the resources of the school system can be used to serve as a ministry to people in times of disaster.
Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.
