On December 05, Marilyn and I traveled all over Rapides Parish to schools congratulating principals, assistant principals, guidance counselors, and teachers for excellent work. Some of these schools scored an A on the school performance scores; others were Top Gains for improved scores. Caroline Dorman had already been recognized earlier when they won a national Blue Ribbon award; Rapides High (our alma mater) is always on our radar for so many things done well.

(In full disclosure before I add the following comments, I want you to know that Dr. Jill Summers is our dear friend.)

As we were out congratulating, I could not help thinking: What about Carter C Raymond Jr. High and its esteemed leader, Dr. Summers? Did they receive an A? No, they barely made another C. However, there is more to this story than meets the eye. Carter Raymond, like other schools in this parish, serves a community of low socio-economic status. There is no place on the School Performance Score to rate the way children are loved and cared for by a school staff that provides clothing, food, and other opportunities these students may not have. There is no place in the School Performance Score to account for the fact that the school may not have business or community support for its program. None of that deters Dr. Summers. She has worked hard to assemble a qualified, hard working staff. Along with their education, needs of children are being met, and the children we see are happy, polite, and proud of their school as they grow in character and purpose. We have witnessed this from serving on several committees for the school and through our church’s outreach ministry.

We applaud and congratulate Dr. Summers and Carter C. Raymond. The school is a positive, loving place where the children of our community are being educated by some of the very best teachers under energetic and wise leadership. Who could ask for more? Dr. Summers, you and your staff are appreciated for all you do!