Wanda’s World

By Wanda Bingaman

What’s up in Wanda’s World? Change. That’s what’s been on my mind lately. Change is hard. And it stinks. But, you can’t get away from it!

I have been able to walk without a scooter or a boot on one of my legs. That’s a change. Two months with a bum leg, now I’m having to change the way I’ve walked to the past few (ok, four!!!) decades. In my head, I know I have to change my walk, but yuck!!

A lot of change is happening at work as well. I work in a middle school- Hope Middle School, here in Pitt County- with 850+ middle school students. This age does not accept change very well. That is the understatement of the century, right there!!  I LOVE working in a middle school- things are NEVER boring- the kids will keep you on your toes! They change so much internally, physically, mentally- add in a change at school- whew boy!!  There’s a new principal, a new schedule, new things for everyone. The staff hasn’t been sure what has been happening and trying to stay positive while navigating everything new. The kids want their rocks back! And we are trying, it is getting better every day!

Something new at my school this year- we received an A grade from the NC public school grading system!  The state of North Carolina grades all the schools based on enrollment, test grades, growth- there are a lot of things and it is not a foolproof system. There are a lot of people out there that do not agree with how the grades are figured out (and I get it, there is a lot of room for improvement!!), but I will not let that deter me from being excited about our score!  We are the first traditional school in Pitt County to ever receive an A from the state!  I know how hard all the teachers and staff work with these kids and making sure everyone feels ready for whatever the state throws at us.

How awesome is my school? We are also the second place school in the 2A Large Schools for the North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities. The NCASA’s mission is to promote and advocate for scholastic achievement for North Carolina’s  students.  So, even more awesomeness at Hope! 

Change sucks, but it’s necessary. Sigh. I guess.  But, change makes great things happen!!