ROANOKE CITY, Va. – Roanoke teachers are back in the classroom, getting ready for the first day of school on Aug. 22. This week they're setting up classrooms, working on lesson plans and talking about ways to improve Roanoke's education system.
The theme for all district schools this year is "Believe in Ourselves." It's a way to encourage students to be more confident in the work that they do each day.
It's a mantra that was first announced at the Roanoke City Schools convocation Monday. Hundreds of teachers talked about the school year and the future of the school system.
During the annual gathering, Superintendent Rita Bishop and other school leaders talked about major goals for the new school year, including what's expected to be an increasing graduation rate this spring.
Bishop also spoke about Standard of Learning scores, which are set to be released Tuesday. She told the teachers that the scores are expected to be the best in years for the district.
Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea said students are not just prepared for the tests they'll have in the classroom, but those they'll face after graduation as well.
"Roanoke is fortunate to have an outstanding education system," Lea said. "Our public schools are teaching our students what they need to know in order to succeed, preparing them for the day they take the test of life."
Students aren't the only ones who get excited about heading back to the classroom. The convocation felt more like a pep rally as the Berglund Center buzzed with excited teachers talking about the future as they get back into their daily routine.
Principal Josh Burton of Wasena Elementary School said the convocation ceremonies help to renew the teachers' energy, helping them get excited to get back to work.
"It's the literal kickoff to the season. Teachers get excited, there's a lot of rah-rah going on," he said. "It really sets the tone for not just this week, but the entire year."
While teachers encourage students on a daily basis to believe in themselves, this year's theme to "Believe in Ourselves" is one that applies to the teachers as well.
"We believe in you. We know that you believe in yourselves," says Mark Cathey, Vice Chair of the Roanoke City School Board. "This administration is committed to helping you get everything that you need to do to get it right. We know that you will and we thank you for it."
Cathey emphasized the importance of helping students find their hook this school year. He says whether it's in the classroom, the library, fine arts or through music programs, it's important to help students focus on the aspects of school that make them excited to show up each morning.
He says one of the biggest hooks for many of the students will be the relationships they form with their teachers.