By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó Bob Lippard is hoping Tuesdayís education revival leaves local residents feeling energized and excited about ways they can support public education.
ěThis is a point for revitalization and commitment,î the Rowan County United Way executive director said. ěWe hope that theyíll have some new ideas about how everyone can become a part of our studentsí education.î
The revival, hosted by the Rowan County United Way and Rowan County Partners for Education, will begin with a free dinner provided by a United Way Worldwide grant.
John Dornan, former president/executive director at Public School Forum of North Carolina and motivational speaker Laura Hamilton will be the guest speakers for the event.
Lippard said they will share information about how to prevent dropouts and cultivate effective teaching.
Information gathered during listening sessions, conducted by the United Way last fall, will also be shared during the event.
Lippard said parents, students, law enforcement officers, faith-based leaders and a variety of other community members participated in the listening groups about effective teaching.
The evening will also include breakout sessions to cater to specific interests.
ěThere will be information shared on what we can do as individuals and groups in the community to help support teachers and help them reach every child in our classrooms,î Lippard said.
David Cowger, lead pastor at World Hope Worship Center and a listening session participant, said informing the public is at the heart of the event.
ěWeíre trying to get people informed about opportunities,î he said.
Cowger said anyone can help out by mentoring, tutoring and assisting teachers in the classroom.
ěReally anything that we can do to help teachers do their job,î he said. ěSo we can lend our support to teachers so they can be more focused on their gift, which is teaching.î
Cowger said the event will also provide an opportunity for residents to offer feedback about public education.
ěItís an opportunity for their voice to be heard,î he said. ěWe want to hear their voice and we want to give them direction if they want to get involved in a specific area.î
Lippard said heís hoping for a large turnout Tuesday.
ěWeíre very excited. It should be a unique and wonderful opportunity for everybody to attend,î he said. ěWe hope that as people leave that evening, they will be able to identify what they are willing to do both individually and collectively to support effective teaching and to help prevent dropouts in our schools.î
The free event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Holiday Inn.
RSVP by Monday morning by calling 704-633-1802 and leaving a message.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.