My principal is phenomenal. She goes above and beyond for students and staff. She makes sure that not only the students social/emotional needs are addressed, but the faculty/staff social/emotional needs are addressed… (and) comes in to assist with the events and let the students know that they are proud of them.—Kierra Calhoun, CIS Site Coordinator, Communities In Schools of Georgia in Albany/Dougherty County
Q&A with Dr. Karen Riggins-Taylor, Robert Harvey Elementary School
Q: What inspires you?
A: I have a passion for leadership and education, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of children and teachers.
Q: What’s the best thing about being a principal?
A: The children! I love working with professionals who are as passionate and committed as I am about our students. However, it’s the students who bring blessings into your life. It’s a humbling experience to connect with students in a way that changes their lives.
Q: If you had to describe Communities in Schools in one word?
A: COMMITTED
Q: If you had to describe your Communities in Schools site coordinator in one word?
A: AMAZINGLY DEDICATED (2 WORDS)
Q: What has been the biggest change in your school because of CIS?
A: My students are more confident. They are becoming academically competitive with one another and believing that anything is possible with the right support.
Q: What is the biggest challenge the school is facing now?
A: The biggest challenge right now is literacy. CIS can help combat this challenge by providing additional support to children and families that support each child’s educational pathway and journey. CIS encourages attendance and meeting the basic needs of students while assisting families with support, and guidance with various challenges they may be facing as a family. Another challenge is fulltime support from the CIS Site Coordinator. Our culture has changed and our school’s vision is coming to life. The two days Ms. Calhoun spends with us has proven to be positive for students, teachers/staff, and families. Having Ms. Calhoun full time would help us to meet and exceed our expectations with bridging the school and family gaps and working together on behalf of every child; and close the achievement gaps of ensuring that every child receives the wrap-around support needed at every level for academic success.
Q: Does having a CIS site coordinator in your school have any effect on the way teachers teach or the way they relate to their students? Any other benefit to teachers?
A: The CIS Site Coordinator is important to the learning process and especially regarding supporting teachers. The added support extends beyond the classroom by supporting academic celebrations and tutoring services to children and families. Case loads of students receive ongoing and continuous assistance with monitoring and feedback. She serves as the in-house liaison for children, teachers/staff, and the administration for finding solutions for students she serves.
Q: Do you feel that your CIS site coordinator has improved students’ social-emotional skills?
A: Yes, we are witnessing students who are confident, happy, and eager to come to school.
Q: If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
A: Be good to yourself and others.
Q: How do you think students will remember you?
A: I wish to be remembered as the principal who never stopped believing in the possibilities. The principal who hugged them and told them everyday they were loved by me. The principal who never let anyone believe that kids can’t and are not worth each and every breath we take each day. The principal who always placed her last name behind theirs!
Q: Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
A: If no one has told you today, I really care about you!