2017-2018 Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year & Scholarship Awardees
Ms. Pamela Henderson Kirkland - teaches English lV and English l Seminar
How did you get to Reynolds?
I started out teaching in Guilford County and left to work at a private school. I missed public school teaching very much and decided to return to it as soon as I possibly could. I was fortunate enough to be hired as a long term sub by Dr. Paschal, and apparently he thought I was good enough to keep around. I've been part of the English Department and the RJR family ever since.
How did what you had heard about RJR match what you actually found at RJR?
Living outside of Winston-Salem, I had actually heard very little about RJR. I did my research and discovered that RJR was home to a myriad of educational and personal opportunities for students and educators alike. The reality exceeded that. There are nearly endless options for students to grow and become the human beings they want to be, and the opportunity to infuse the arts within those disciplines that do not always have the chance to do so is a gift that few schools have the opportunity to offer.
What does an average day at school like for you?
After arriving, I do my best to make sure that each student I see during the day has everything they need to be successful. Our time together is mapped out and available to them, even if they happen to be at home for the day due to sickness or a prior commitment. I then check emails, responding to present parent and student concerns or questions. As my students begin to arrive, we will quickly catch up and then move into the plans of the day. My class is built around the idea of healthy and informed communication, and we strive to become more informed citizens all while examining people, places, and things, via relevant and important literature. That's the gist of my day, though there are obviously times that see me interacting with students and collaborating with amazing colleagues during those moments that aren't instructional in nature.
Being a teacher of English, what are the courses you instruct at RJR (and please give a brief description of each course)?
Last semester I taught English lV, which is a survey of British Literature. We also spend time developing writing professional research and writing skills that will serve them well as they move to university. This semester I'm teaching English l Seminar, which offers exposure to a variety of literary classics alongside transitional and multicultural pieces. Students work to develop communication skills as well as improve academic writing.
How would you size up the RJR student body?
The RJR student body student body is an absolute dream for an educator desiring to make a difference. Regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religious preference, or political affiliation, the RJR student body offers the opportunity to discover our students as human beings, as well as best practices that address them as individuals as well as the group as a whole. Knowing them allows for the greatest engagement in the classroom, so all of this is paramount to their success.
What is your family life like?
I have two amazing children (Maddox, who is 15 and a sophomore at Southwest High School, and Maya, who is 13 and in 7th grade at Southwest Middle School). I married my college sweetheart, David, in November of 2016, and we have made our home in High Point. We have two fur babies, who round out our loud and lovely life together. We love to travel and tend to look for our experiences rather than possessions.
Why did you go into teaching as a career?
My father always told me I was a natural teacher, but I avoided it for as long as possible. When I finally took stock of my life and tried to identify a higher purpose, I realized that he had been right all along. There is no other profession that sees continuous opportunity for personal growth, all while positively affecting other human beings. Educators are naturally lifelong learners, and every single day sees the chance to learn more about the world we are in, as well as the people with whom we share this life.
What are your goals and aspirations?
I would love to continue my own education, eventually receiving my PhD in Education and Cultural Studies. I also have that common dream of so many English teachers, who want to write a best selling novel. (At this point, though, I’d just settle for finishing a decent short story.)
Leslie Alexander - RJR Principal and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Principal of the Year
Questions from Harry Corpening: the student body at Reynolds High School is a lot different than when I graduated (in 1968). Probably about 10 to 15% of the student body was African American that year, and the rest were Caucasian (except for a few exchange students). I don't remember any Hispanics being there. Today Caucasians represent only 40% of the student body (I believe I read or heard somewhere). What percentage of the RJR student body is Hispanic and what percentage is African American (if these figures are kept)?
34.8% are African American and 17.8% are Hispanic.
For the past several years we have been only a few students short of 50% of the student body being offered free lunches. Concerning free lunches: is there a stigma attached to those students that are provided a free lunch and also possibly a free breakfast?
Some students may feel there is a stigma with being offered a free lunch. However, for many of our students food at school is the only food security they have.
Is it the parents/guardians of the students that determines what students get free meals as opposed to the government and/or school system?
The government determines who qualifies for free and reduced-price lunches. However, the family has to complete an application each year in order to receive benefits. One of the struggles with getting numbers of free and reduced price lunches is getting enough families to complete the application.
On an average day, how many students are homeless and how many reside in Group homes?
There are 33 homeless students, and this number tends to be under-reported. 12 are in group homes/foster care.
What thing or things would you like to see changed at RJR that would improve the staff experience?
I believe that some things that would make the most difference to improve teacher experience are beyond the school’s control. For example, smaller class sizes would make a huge difference to staff morale. An increase in teacher pay is drastically needed to recruit and retain teachers. However, some of the things that we can do to support teachers is to allow them to attend professional development that they feel would be beneficial. We can cover subs occasionally to support common planning efforts. We can provide them with needed resources to do their jobs well.
What thing or things would you like to see changed at RJR that would improve the student experience?
I would love to see increased access to technology. I believe all four grade of students would benefit from having access to technology in each and every class. I would also love to see smaller class sizes, especially in classes made-up of students who need extreme remediation. Many of our students have extreme needs outside of school. I wish that we had more access to mental health experts to aid our students and their families. Our counselors are excellent, but are overloaded with the many demands that accompany their jobs. Our school would definitely benefit from additional assistance.
You are in (my opinion) a proactor as opposed to being a reactor in the way you go about doing your business. That being the case, I have to assume that you have talked with the school system “higher ups” about them possibly helping to pay for the proposed RJR multi-sport stadium. What have you been told, and what do you think will happen?
The school system has committed to paying for the Wiley gym. When the plan was first pitched to the previous Superintendent, monies for the gym demolition construction were part of the private funds that would be raised. Now the school system has acknowledged they will pay for the Wiley gym.
Where do things stand now concerning the stadium, including where do things stand financially?
There is still ongoing discussion as to how additional nonprofit funds could be secured, but no decisions have been made.
What is your sales pitch for why stadium is needed?
My sales pitch for the stadium involves the fact that our students of poverty do not have the same access to extracurricular activities when the practice and games for those sports have to occur off-campus. An on-site facility would make access to these activities available to all of our families.
Under your leadership RJR has made some amazing improvements in the academic growth of the RJR student body. Knowing that your goal is to have excellent instruction in every single class every day in a safe environment: what staff positions are the hardest to keep filled with your type of teacher, and why?
The hardest positions to fill are our math positions. Not only is the subject difficult to teach, there are simply not many qualified applicants available.
Is the staff for the next school year set now?
We have four teachers left to hire.
I see in the newspaper today (June 8th) that two coaches are leaving seemingly on good terms at the end of the school year. Besides academics being improved since you came to RJR, I think hope the same can be said about sports. Since the two sports the coaches are involved in (swimming and wrestling) would not benefit from a stadium, how hard will it be to hire great coaches to replace them?
Our ability to acquire a swimming coach should be similar to other schools, since we have to go through a similar process to secure practice lanes at various YMCAs. Our ability to hire a wrestling coach should be easier than most because we have a wrestling room. Most schools do not have a separate practice space.
How does the swimming pool we use in the areas used for wrestling practice compare to other high schools?
Our swimming situation is similar to other high schools. We all have to arrange for lanes to practice at various YMCA facilities. Our wrestling situation is better than most. We have a dedicated wrestling room. Most of the schools have to share gym space, which means their practice times are often undesirable.
Kimberly-Mykel Thompson
What do you like and dislike academically about RJR?
I liked having rigorous courses. Although it may have been hard, I feel well prepared for college.
What “after hours” school activities did you participate in?
I participated in RJR Dancing Boots, A Capella, Musical Theater, Girls Council, and Habitat for Humanity.
What did you like (and/or dislike) socially about RJR?
I liked how diverse Reynolds was socially. I disliked how polarized the classrooms were in terms of socioeconomic class.
Who was (or were your) favorite teacher(s) and/or coach(es), and why?
My favorite teacher was Stephanie B. Walters. Although Reynolds has several great teachers, she was the one I built the strongest relationship with.
What did an average day at RJR entail?
An average day at RJR consisted of a stop by Krankies Mobile on the way back from the Career Center, lunch in the parking lot, and seniors rushing out the door at 3:35 to avoid the traffic.
What will you best remember about going to Reynolds?
I will never forget our alma mater “Amid the Pines.” After singing that song for four years alongside my closest friends, it has a place in my heart forever.
What was your favorite class you took (and why), and what was the hardest class you took?
My favorite class was Acapella. Having the opportunity to sing every day with my closest friends and learn about music was so much fun. My hardest class was Pre-Calculus.
What would you change at RJR (if you could)?
If I could change one thing at RJR, I would heighten awareness of the different socioeconomic backgrounds that students can have, to ensure the student body and faculty have empathy towards the students in their personal circumstances.
Where are you going next year (school wise), and what will you be majoring in (if you know)?
I will be attending Hampton University in the fall, where I will major in Broadcast Journalism, with a minor in
Political Science.
Is there anything else you want to tell the RJR alumni about the four years you spent at Reynolds High School?
RJR is an incredible school, with a rich history and great tradition. With all the memories I have at the school, the good and the bad, I enjoyed every second of it. I couldn't fathom having gone to high school anywhere else but “Amid the Pines.”
Stephen Wilson
What did you like (and dislike) academically about RJR?
Academically at RJR, I love that there were many different courses that allowed me to discover which subjects I most enjoyed. I also like that there were many different levels of courses, so I was able to take a demanding course load and challenge myself. I disliked, however, that some classes (especially AP classes) were not offered at Reynolds…as they were at the Career Center (which limited the amount of time I was able to spend at Reynolds).
What “after hours” school activities did you participate in?
The after school activities I participated in were varsity soccer, varsity golf, Crosby Scholars, National Honor Society, and I was a Demon Delegate.
What did you like (and/or dislike) socially about RJR socially?
At RJR I love the diversity that the school had, which allowed me to meet and socialize with many different people from lots of different backgrounds, while also meeting some close friends that helped me throughout my four years at RJR.
Who was (or were) your favorite teacher(s) and coach(es), and why?
My favorite teachers at RJR were Mr. Clevenger, Mrs. Walters, and Mrs. Barnes-Griffith. I had fun learning experiences while learning lots in their classes, and they did a lot to help me be successful and prepare me for future challenging classes.
What did an average day at RJR entail?
An average day at RJR entailed arriving at 12:00, following four classes at Career Center in the morning that started at 8:00 am, From there I would attend one class. That lasted an hour and 30 minutes, then I would have about 25 minutes of lunch, which followed with a free fourth period (which I used to study and complete my homework).
What will your best remember about going to Reynolds?I
I will remember many things from my time at RJR, especially the great pride that the teachers and students had for our school. During our sporting events, the Rowdies showed great school spirit by cheering for our various athletic teams, and they had a blast doing it. Also being able to represent RJR on the soccer field and the golf course were an honor. I enjoyed competing against other surrounding high schools and winning. I was proud and enjoyed showing that.
What was your favorite class you took (and why), and what was your hardest class you took?
I had two favorite classes that I took at RJR. The first one was AP United States History taught by Mr. Clevenger. I learned a lot about our nation's history by working hard, but we had lots of laughs thanks to Mr. Clevenger. The second one was Honors Chemistry taught by Mr. Bragg, because he made chemistry very exciting, and made me work very hard to learn a lot of the material. The hardest class I took at RJR was AP Literature and Composition taught by Mrs. Wiley, because I was often challenged to improve my writing skills and read challenging passages (and English was not my best subject).
What would you change at RJR (if you could)?
Among the many great things that RJR, the one thing that I would change would be having a stadium near campus for all the sports teams at RJR. Over my four years I've had to travel to Bolton stadium to play home get soccer games, and drive far away to Deaton Thompson Stadium to attend football and lacrosse games. It was difficult at times to either catch a ride or to be able to drive to support our athletic programs. I was always amazed when I would arrive for a soccer game at almost every other high school and look at the field right next to their high school.
Where are you going next year (school wise), and what will you be majoring in (if you know)?
Next year I will be attending Wake Forest University, and I am undecided on my major.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the RJR alumni about the four years you spent at Reynolds High School?
Throughout the four years at RJR I've had a great experience where I have made many great friends, many great memories, and learned a lot that will guide me for the next few years of my life.