Quarterly November 2021-January 2022 Issue |
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Greetings,
I hope this Newsletter finds you well. I continue to remain humbled and honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and your school board member for District 1.
This school year has been an exciting one thus far and we continue to push forward and work to improve the learning and lives of our students. February is an exciting month in which we celebrate Black History Month and the achievements of African-Americans. These achievements are a result of not only Blacks, but people from all races, creeds, and colors that believed in the commonality of our humanity and right for equality and decency to be afforded to all. This spirit is shared by all of us as members of M-DCPS in which our commonality is the education of our students.
As we continue to move forward in the school year, let’s keep our common goal, commitments, and love for children at the forefront of all we do.
Thank you.
Let’s Work!
Educationally,
Steve Gallon III
School Board Vice Chair, District 1
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Dr. Gallon continues to be actively engaged in his role as a policy maker as he successfully proffered School Board agenda items that received approval and support from the Board at the November 2021 and January 2022 School Board Meetings.
Dr. Gallon's items addressed the following:
H-10: COMPETITVE BIDDING FOR INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY PURCHASES
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
B4: REQUEST APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 22-002 OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING THE MIAMI ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY
(to read this item in full, please click on the link below)
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Due to the redistricting plan, Dr. Gallon is proud to announce that District 1 has gained 7 additional schools to its community.
Aventura Waterways K-8 Center (Annex), Fulford Elementary, Greynolds Park Elementary, Madie Ives K-8 Preparatory Academy, Gertrude K. Edelman/Sabal Palm Elementary, John F. Kennedy Middle, and North Miami Beach Senior High School.
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Meeting with the Chief Operating Officer |
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Dr. Gallon had a meeting with Chief Operating Officer Dr. John Pace to review and discuss approaches and ways to further support and ensure instructional leadership at schools that improve school culture, pedagogy, and overall student outcomes in District 1 schools.
Dr. Gallon's research and 1998 Doctoral dissertation on instructional leadership, as well as his 10 years as a principal provide both practical and policy perspectives on the topic.
Instructional Leadership requires a high level of analysis, engagement, deliberation, and intentionality to improve and strengthen leadership at schools.
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Carol City Middle School Visit |
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On November 4, 2021, Dr. Gallon had a great visit at Carol City Middle School. While there, he observed the critical elements for a well-rounded educational program and evidence of instructional leadership.
They call them “look fors” and after 30 years in this work I know what to “look for", said, Dr. Gallon.
*Administrator Visibility
*Security Protocols in Place
*Clean School Facility
*Bell to Bell Instruction
*Effective Use of Technology
*Evidence of Student Work/Learning
*Progress Monitoring in Place
*Student Incentives in Evidence
*Rigorous Course Offerings
*Positive School Culture
Dr. Gallon was proud to see that the enrollment had increased as well as the number of courses in Biology, Algebra, and Geometry. Principal Andy Harrison articulated a detailed understanding of the various elements of his school’s instructional program and continued to explore ways to improve.
It was also great for him to see Ms. Nesmith who he hired when he was a principal 20 years ago—still teaching and inspiring students.
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Scott Lake Elementary
Student Council Installation Ceremony
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It was truly a celebration and honor for Dr. Gallon to support and recognize the student leaders at Scott Lake Elementary School that were installed as representatives and officers at the Student Council Installation Ceremony on November 6, 2021.
Dr. Gallon saluted all of the student leaders for being selected by their peers.
He is very proud of the great work and well-rounded educational experience being provided to students at Scott Lake Elementary School under the leadership of Principal Bridget Washington-Mckinney.
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Visit to Miami Norland Senior High School |
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Dr. Gallon visited Miami Norland Senior High School with Principal David T. Ladd and members of his administrative team.
It was great for Dr. Gallon to observe active teaching and learning and discuss continued ways to improve the educational experiences of students.
It was also a great sight to see several of his former students serving as teachers and leaders in his schools.
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District Leadership Meeting |
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Dr. Gallon had a productive afternoon engaging with District leadership regarding Instructional Leadership, Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Personnel support in District 1 schools.
He looks forward to a cohesive, coordinated, and cooperative plan of action aimed at improving leadership, teaching, and learning outcomes.
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School Board Organizational Meeting |
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Dr. Gallon was humbled and honored to be re-elected as Vice-Chair of the School Board of Miami-Dade County at the School Board Organizational Meeting held on November 16, 2021.
"I’m proud to rejoin Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman who was again re-elected Chair.
I remain grateful to my colleagues for once again entrusting my leadership and service," said Dr. Gallon.
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Visit to Norwood Elementary |
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Dr. Gallon visited Norwood Elementary School where the leadership of the principal and advocacy of the parents and community is always appreciated. |
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November Student of the Month Recognition Ceremony @ North Dade Middle |
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Dr. Gallon had a great evening celebrating our students at the District 1 Student of the Month Program on November 16, 2021.
He gave a huge congratulations to all of the students recognized for positive academics, attendance, attitudes, and/ or acts that distinguished them from their peers.
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District 1 Student Advisory Council Recognition |
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At the November school board meeting, Dr. Gallon was humbled, honored, and proud to honor the inaugural members of the District 1 Student Advisory Council.
These students provided Dr. Gallon with invaluable perspective on schools as students who have the greatest proximity and are the most impacted.
He gave a very special congratulations to these outstanding student leaders representing District 1.
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FSBA/FADSS 76th Annual Joint Conference |
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Dr. Gallon traveled to Tampa, FL at the end of November to attend the Florida School Board Association (FSBA)/Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) 76th Annual Joint Conference to discuss FSBA’s decision to leave the national organization as the chairman of its Council of Urban Boards of Education.
Here are a few highlights from Dr. Gallon's speech:
“Leadership is action, not position. It is not a construct that is restricted to organizational membership or affiliation. Our leadership, through our actions guided by accountability, integrity, and transparency, rests on a fulcrum of service above self.
I have never subscribed to the tenet of titular leadership. Based on deep personal convictions, I can not support the continued membership in an organization whose core leadership had willfully and knowingly undercut long established partnerships, in their choosing of divisive partisan politics.
I am here to affirm my position on this matter, fully knowing that I will concede my national platform as CUBE Chair. I can never choose a platform that conflicts with my principles. Never.”--Dr. Steve Gallon III
To read more on his powerful speech, click on the link below:
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The Culture was pleased to bring Dr. Steve Gallon III on their live show on December 10, 2021 to discuss with parents and the community about the state of M-DCPS.
To watch the full show, click on the link below:
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December 2021 Student of the Month Recognition Ceremony @ Carol City Middle |
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Dr. Gallon gave special congratulations to the December Student of the Month Honorees on December 14, 2021. He's always pleased to honor the continued success of the District 1 students. |
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This Week in South Florida |
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Dr. Gallon made a special appearance on This Week in South Florida the morning of January 2, 2022 on WPLG Channel 10 where he discussed the recent changes in law governing COVID 19 protocols and the students’ and staff's return to school and work.
To see full interview, click on the link below:
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Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity |
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Dr. Gallon was proud to celebrate and recognize the outstanding leadership and service of the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity at the January School Board Meeting.
He gave a huge congratulations to his fraternity brothers for their unwavering commitment to “achievement in every field of human endeavor.”
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Dr. Gallon had a great start of the morning on January 21, 2022 delivering greetings and inspirational words at the New Teacher Orientation Program. He was excited to welcome teachers new to M-DCPS and to the teaching profession. |
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District 1 Community Health Fair |
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Dr. Gallon had a great start of the morning at the District 1 Community Health Fair held on Saturday, January 22, 2022. It was a great opportunity for community engagement around health and wellness, as well as having access to COVID 19 vaccinations, testing, mental health and wellness, employment, social services, and many other areas.
Dr. Gallon gave special thanks and saluted all of the district and community partners for their roles and participation in this event.
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Father & Son Flag Football Tournament |
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Although his team did not win, Dr. Gallon had a great time with the men and boys from the community.
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Congratulations Dr. Jose Dotres |
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Dr. Gallon gave a special congratulations to Dr. Jose Dotres as the new Superintendent of Schools of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
He also saluted the majority of his colleagues who voted for continuity and supporting a person who has a proven body of work and track record in improving student learning outcomes for all students in the community and beyond.
"I was both committed to and convicted in my support of Dr. Dotres once he was identified as a candidate." Dr. Gallon said. "My continued support never waivered as I strongly knew and believed that he was the most qualified, experienced, proven, and positioned person to provide the next chapter of leadership as superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools."
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District 1 Town Hall Meeting @ North Miami Senior High |
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At the District 1 Town Hall Meeting held on the evening of January 25, 2022, Dr. Gallon voiced that consistency is key to leadership and life. |
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Education is Social Justice |
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“Education should never be divorced from social justice…” -Dr. Steve Gallon III
Dr. Gallon was humbled and honored to share thoughts around education as the instrument for social justice in the Miami Herald Legacy Feature as they prepare to celebrate Black History Month.
To read the full article, click on the link below:
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