Message from your District 1 School Board Member, Dr. Steve Gallon III | |
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Greetings,
I hope this edition of *Gallon’s Good News* finds each of you filled with excitement, hope, and anticipation as we embark on the 2024-2025 school year. Having successfully welcomed back our students, I trust that we have done so with unwavering commitment and passion, ready to help them achieve new heights in learning and lifelong success.
As we continue our important work, I encourage you to approach each day with dedication, integrity, and resilience, both personally and professionally.
Wishing you a positive, productive, and impactful 2024-2025 school year.
Let's Work!
Educationally,
Steve Gallon III
School Board Member, District 1
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Recognizing Pastor Rhonda Walker-Thomas | |
Dr. Gallon was truly honored and privileged to recognize an outstanding servant leader, Pastor Rhonda Thomas of New Generation Baptist Church and Faith in Florida at the June 2024 School Board Meeting.
On June 18, 2024, Pastor Thomas was acknowledged for her unwavering support of District 1, as well as schools, families, communities, and students across Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the state, and the nation.
To read the full resolution recognizing Pastor Thomas, please click on the link below:
B4: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 24-040 OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING REVEREND RHONDA THOMAS FOR HER OVERWHELMING AND CONTINUOUS SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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CAHSD Scholarship Award Luncheon | |
On June 26, Dr. Gallon was honored and humbled to deliver the Keynote Address at the 2024 Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) of Miami-Dade County, celebrating and awarding scholarships to 41 graduates of the Class of 2024.
"It was great to see so many familiar faces, including former students and colleagues, as well as family and community advocates," said Dr. Gallon.
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Exploring Educational Futures: Dr. Gallon on 'Off the Wall' Podcast
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On July 9, 2024, Dr. Gallon engaged in an insightful discussion on the podcast "Off the Wall" at the FIU Radcliffe Innovation Center with former M-DCPS Superintendent Octavio Visiedo, currently serving as a liaison for educational community partnerships at FIU.
They explored a range of pertinent educational topics, including AI, community participation, funding, and the future of education in Florida and across the nation. To watch the full podcast, please click on the link below: Off the Wall ft. Dr. Steve Gallon III
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Addressing Educational Equity: Dr. Gallon on 'Brown v. Board' Anniversary | Dr. Gallon reflected on the enduring impact of "Brown v. Board of Education" 70 years later. He emphasized that educational progress should embrace diversity rather than a single cultural or racial identity. Despite Miami-Dade County Public Schools maintaining an "A" rating, many schools remain racially segregated due to economic disparities. Dr. Gallon underscores the ongoing challenge to fulfill the promise of equal education for all, advocating for systemic reforms to address economic inequality and school segregation. | | |
Annual Student Performance Data Review | |
Despite the continued progress and elimination of F schools in District 1 since 2017, Dr. Gallon continues to remain focused on the continuous improvement of student learning and performance of students in District 1.
On July 23, 2024, Dr. Gallon met with district & region staff to review District 1's annual student performance data.
He believes that these discussions are vital for understanding progress, identifying areas for improvement, and setting strategic goals for the upcoming academic year.
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Advocating for Opa-locka: Dr. Gallon Moderates Key Town Hall on Community Museum | |
On August 5, 2024, Dr. Gallon took on the role of moderator at a significant town hall meeting organized by the Ten North Group, a community development organization based in Opa-locka. The event, held at the historic St. Mary First Missionary Baptist Church in Coral Gables, brought together community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to discuss the importance of establishing a museum in the northern Miami-Dade city of Opa-locka.
The town hall served as a platform to showcase Opa-locka's rich cultural heritage and its deserving place on the map as a museum destination. Dr. Gallon, deeply committed to community empowerment and education, was honored to facilitate the discussion and help amplify the voices advocating for this meaningful initiative.
"Let's work together to ensure Opa-locka's story is preserved and celebrated," Dr. Gallon stated, underscoring the collaborative effort needed to make the museum a reality.
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Kickoff to a New School Year: Dr. Gallon Attends Superintendent’s 2024-2025 Opening of Schools
Address
Dr. Gallon had a great start of the day at the Superintendent’s 2024-2025 Opening of Schools Address.
"I have had the pleasure of being a part of this exciting occasion since 1993. It is always a pleasure to join educational stakeholders as we prepare for another exciting and productive school year," said Dr. Gallon.
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Recognizing Dr. John Pace’s Appointment as Superintendent of Henry County Public Schools
At the August 13, 2024 School Board Meeting, Dr. Gallon proudly recognized Dr. John Pace for his appointment as Superintendent of Henry County Public Schools in Georgia. He praised Dr. Pace’s professionalism, dedication, and integrity, which have defined his leadership.
Dr. Gallon expressed confidence in Dr. Pace’s ability to positively impact students, employees, parents, and the community, urging support for his new leadership role. "Congratulations and continued strength, blessings, wisdom, protection, and success," Dr. Gallon said, wishing Dr. Pace well in his new journey.
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Empowering Through History: Dr. Gallon Hosts Screening of "The Mecca: Legends of Traz Powell Stadium"
On August 20, 2024, Dr. Gallon hosted an inspiring event for the football teams from District 1 schools—North Miami Beach Sr., North Miami Sr., Miami Norland Sr., and Miami Carol City Sr. High School—with a screening of the documentary The Mecca: Legends of Traz Powell Stadium. The film highlights Nathaniel "Traz" Powell’s life, leadership, and the impact of high school football in Miami-Dade County.
Student-athletes learned from the stories of players, coaches, and community leaders, gaining valuable insights into the contributions of Black history to local sports. Dr. Gallon thanked North Miami Beach Councilwoman Daniela Jean for her support in making the event possible.
To view the trailer for “The Mecca” click here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRoQymBW/
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Honoring Leadership: Dr. Gallon Celebrates Dr. John Pace III’s Contributions & New Role as Superintendent
On August 23, 2024, Dr. Steve Gallon III joined the Miami-Dade community in celebrating the remarkable leadership and educational contributions of Dr. John Pace III to Miami-Dade County Public Schools, as well as his recent appointment as Superintendent of Henry County Public Schools in Georgia. The event, which highlighted Dr. Pace's impact and achievements, was made possible through the collaboration of the Miami Alliance of Black Educators, the Association of Haitian Educators of Dade (AHED), the Honorable Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, and Pastor Arthur Jackson III of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens.
Dr. Gallon was honored to sponsor this significant event and expressed his gratitude to Treska Rodgers, Tiffany Pauline, Linda Amica Roberts, and others who contributed to its success. The gathering not only recognized Dr. Pace’s past accomplishments but also extended warm wishes for the new and exciting journey that lies ahead for him and his family.
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