Blue Ribbon Schools at First Annual Region 8 Superintendents Conference

Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence went to the First Annual Region 8 Superintendents Conference in Monroe, Louisiana. Many educators and even some senators were among the presenters at the conference, including Blue Ribbon's own president, Bart Teal.

Bart Teal spoke first about school improvement. How is your school really doing; how to celebrate the strengths; how to find solutions using best practices, and networking with Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence conferences.

Mike Hall spoke about bringing students together with "Zero is Not an Option" & "School without Failure."

Dr. Vallerie Cave, principal of Risley Early College Academy Brunswick, Ga., has established an outstanding early college program that is highly successful for all students. She is planning on speaking at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Walt Disney World Conference. She uses AVID concepts and KIPPS. She talked about the way essentials are taught throughout.

Dr. Mike has presented on high school transition and success in high school. His presentation was excellent, motivating and he had the audience laughing and on the edge of its seat.

Mike Kemp, assistant superintendent of Glynn County Gainsville, Ga., was an energetic speaker that has changed culture for all students in Florida and Georgia. He shared amazing statistics and excellent strategies for all students.

Dr. John Doherty, assistant superintendent of Reading Public Schools in Reading, Mass., spoke on making a difference with technology. John did an excellent job engaging the audience with many quotes from leading educators. His theme was "Technology is the Equalizer."

The speaker at lunch Thursday was Senator Robert W. Kostelka.

Dr. Doherty has set up Wiki's of PowerPoints from the conference.