One of the Board of Education’s governing principles is to maintain a safe and orderly environment where staff and students are focused on (and excited about) learning. Nurturing a culture of mutual respect is critical, and it takes all of us together to maintain healthy learning environments where our children can excel.

Mutual respect is important not just between students and teachers, but students and students, parents and teachers, principals and staff, and the list goes on. When we listen intently and accept one another’s uniqueness, we can find beauty in our diverse talents and gifts. Respecting different ideas, viewpoints and cultures will help our staff and students feel safe and motivated to teach, learn and take intellectual risks.

*Photo from Dr. Austin Obasohan’s LinkedIn Profile*

So many things are changing in the world around us, but remembering the value in the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” can help us maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect in our classrooms and community. Growing up our parents and caregivers taught us to respect our elders and authority figures. If we instill these values in our youth and model our expectations, our children will grow to understand how powerful respect is. When we feel valued and respected, we are more likely to make sacrifices on someone else’s behalf and vice versa. As the scripture teaches, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Our youth are creating and shaping the future, so let’s pour all we can into them, so that they can enjoy lives filled with universal happiness, respect, and endless opportunities.

Thank you for the role you play in educating our children and ensuring individual feelings of acceptance and respect. For the benefit of all of our students, let’s continue to keep our lines of communication open. Our Board of Education, principals, teachers and administrative staff are always available should you have any concerns and/or suggestions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s work together so that Duplin County Schools are the very best for our most precious gifts, our children.

Have a blessed summer, and please be safe.

Your humble servant,

Austin Obasohan