“The more knowledge I acquire the more I understand that there is so much more to learn.” – Tracy Reeves

The United States is becoming an increasingly diverse population.  This diversity is becoming evident in the hallways and classrooms of Wayne Local Schools.  A growing number of our students have diverse language backgrounds in which English is not their native language; known as English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL) in the education field.  In many cases these students need targeted assistance to develop the English skills needed to communicate effectively with others, participate in our school classrooms and meet state academic content standards.  American History implies in earlier times that immigrant children learned English rapidly and assimilated easily into American life.  In reality many of these immigrant students did not learn English quickly or well.  Many dropped out of school to work in jobs that did not require the kinds of academic achievement and communication skills that substantive employment opportunities require today.  Learning a second language takes time and is hard work.  Even when an ELL student is able to converse comfortably in English they may still lag behind in their ability to achieve the same levels of proficiency in academic English as native speakers.

Profiles in Excellence recognize the conscientious and dedicated efforts of Mrs. Tracy Reeves.  Mrs. Reeves works with our English Language Learners to enhance their success academically and socially.  Tracy’s peers openly recognize her willingness to go beyond the call of duty.  She is extremely flexible and compassionate with our students.  Our population of English Language Learners is not concentrated in a single grade or building; Tracy has worked between all three buildings here at Waynesville and the Warren County Career Center.  She supports her assigned students with their classroom assignments as well as their English language deficits.  Tracy always takes a very positive and respectful approach with her fellow staff members.  She approaches staff with the attitude of “How can I help this student succeed in your class?”  Because of Tracy our ELL students feel cared about by the adults at school.  She is just as happy for her students as they are for themselves when they achieve and succeed.  Tracy attends her students’ award programs to support them.  Recently when two of her students met state required achievement levels she quietly without fanfare held a little ceremony for them.  When asked what excellence means Tracy responded – “I work hard to gain excellence by learning as much as I can about the people and the world around me so that the knowledge I acquire can be used in service to others.  What I come to understand in this personal pursuit, is that the more knowledge I acquire the more I understand that there is so much more to learn and I am humbled and inspired to continue my pursuit and, if possible, have others join me on the journey of excellence.”