Snow Hill - On Saturday, March 18, Greene County Schools hosted a Community Workshop facilitated by RTI International at New World Life Outreach Center in Snow Hill.

The purpose of this event according to Astrid Nava, District Communications Specialist for GCS was “to bring the community together to discuss the importance of Family and Community Engagement.”

Darius Shackleford, a Board of Education Member, started off by welcoming everyone to the event. That was followed by Dr. Creech who shared the GCS Strategic Plan, specifically focusing on the Family and Student Engagement goal.  

Then Kelly Bush, from RTI, spoke about the research behind family and community engagement and why it's critical to student success. RTI has partnered with Greene County schools in a series of community surveys, staff training, and discussions to foster a stronger community engagement with the school system. Following the explanation of the study and purpose of the workshop., The attendees were seated in groups, where everyone worked together to answer 3 rounds of questions about collaborative planning for strategic partnerships. Conversations centered around the goal of fostering stronger school and community engagement. Following the group discussions Dr. Rodney McNeill shared the new district volunteer process and how anyone can get started online through the GCS website.  

Dr. Jose Garcia, the new Director of K-12 Curriculum and STEM Education, spoke and shared details about the STEM Program and closed out by inviting everyone to visit the STEM EXPO on April 27, 2023,  at the Middle School.

Greene County Commissioner Derek Buress shared via his Facebook Page that “The discussion at the workshop largely focused on how the schools can strengthen their partnerships with those outside the school system and in the communities. This included building relationships with community members and other organizations to enhance the education system.” 

 Congressman Don Davis emphasized the importance of education and urged all participants to “work together to ensure that every child in Greene County receives a quality education.”