Kick off to Jordan High School's transformation

Transforming student achievement at a low-performing school is no easy task especially when the school is being split in two. Jordan High School is undergoing a major change for the better, and thanks to the new principal Sherri Williams the school will improve tremendously.

A few days ago, all of the Jordan teachers met at the Partnership for LA School’s offices to kick off the upcoming school year on a positive note. As I walked into the room I sensed a feeling of excitement and positive energy coming from all the teachers. Guest speaker, Eric Wheeler, gave a very inspirational speech about Jordan High School and all of the successful people who graduated from Jordan.

As Mr. Wheeler spoke, the teachers’ faces lit up with joy. I could almost imagine their thoughts about what successful careers their students’ will have running through their minds. It was a great idea to let all the teachers know that they are not alone; the Partnership will facilitate the changes that will occur in the next school year. I hope all the teachers are as excited to have the Partnership as an ally as the students are.

They continued the day with a tour of Watts in which all the teachers learned about the history of such a rich community. The 2011-2012 school year is going to be full of challenges because they all need to adjust, but with confidence and support all the teachers and staff members at Jordan High School will have an interesting new year