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The following is a Counterpoint:

By Ashley Royal

We have just completed our ninth week of school at Oak Ridge Elementary. Our 2009-2010 school year has been interesting because our children and staff members are in four different locations this year. I wanted to let everyone know how well our children are adjusting to their new surroundings. While we all want to get back to our school soon, we have been very welcomed into our “homes away from home.”

We have experienced the graciousness of so many people during this transition. I would first like to thank Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green and his staff for listening to our parents and staff to ensure that the right decisions were made for our school.
 

School board member Darlene Garrett should be recognized for all of the time and energy she has spent on our school’s issues. She has been with us on this journey every step of the way.

I would also like to thank Angelo Kidd, our regional superintendent; Ann Kraft, principal; and Jackie Burney, assistant principal. These leaders have worked tirelessly to make our transition into our new facilities, as well as transportation issues, go smoothly.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to Colfax Elementary School and its PTA. They have gone above the call of duty in making our kindergartners, first-graders, staff and parents feel very welcome at their wonderful school.

Our second- and third-graders are located at Oak Ridge Military Academy, where they are treated with respect by the cadets there. I would like to thank the ORMA administration for inviting our children to join them for a Sept. 11 ceremony.

In addition, Dr. Bill Stewart, Northwest Middle School principal, and his staff should be commended for all of the hard work they have done to accommodate our fourth- and fifth-graders.

Our pre-K class is located at Pearce Elementary. Our teachers and their students have been welcomed as well by their staff and PTA.

No school knows better about becoming displaced than Eastern Guilford High School. Its staff sent our school boxes of supplies. We appreciate their generosity and have learned from their courageousness that we can successfully make it through this transition. Finally, our friends from Stokesdale Elementary brought each of our staff members care packages. What a wonderful gesture from our neighbors up Highway 68!

In closing, Oak Ridge Elementary has always been known for its super teachers, parents and students. We continuously are awarded for our outstanding scores on our end-of-grade testing. This year will be no different. We are the Colts and we will strive to do our best every day no matter where we sit.

The writer lives in Oak Ridge and is PTA President.