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June 19, 2020
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Board Members,
I cannot express in words how grateful I am for the tributes, kind words and virtual “hugs” that I have received as I take my leave from the DeKalb County School District after 33 years of service. I do not know what I will do with myself in retirement, but I am excited to find out!
As I approach this new chapter in life, my service in public education has impressed upon me how important it is that we all do our part to make the school system as successful for students as possible.
We are all in this together. Parents, teachers and principals, we cannot do it without your active support, participation, and encouragement. Please do not limit your work to your children only. Active support and participation with your child’s teachers and principals are required to ensure their success. School lessons are reinforced in the home, and for a student to be truly successful, teaching does not end when the school bell rings.
Students come to school with a thirst to learn that you can never squelch. Learn, learn, learn! The world is too big to stop learning. We, who have worked for years after graduating high school and college, have never stopped learning. Learning equals growth, expansion, and opportunity. Never squelch your thirst for learning.
To seniors graduating during this difficult year, unexpected hardship has taught you flexibility. You have learned to pivot and adjust without notice. Flexibility and a positive attitude are important traits that will take you far in life.
To staff, you are too often unsung heroes. Health care workers around the world are being lauded for their work to control community spread during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you, who work tirelessly day after day, year after year to teach and guide a new generation, are my heroes. If I’ve had a shred of success during my career, it is because of your dedication to our schoolchildren and the art of teaching and learning.
Board members, thank you for your public service, dedication, direction, and focus on the success of our schoolchildren.
To all of you, thank you for 33 wonderful years!
Mrs. Ramona Tyson, Superintendent