“We have great kids here. I want to see them succeed.”

Principal Oliver gives update on
Jefferson Somerset's progress

Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.

At a recent Kiwanis Club meeting, Jefferson Somerset Principal Cory Oliver was invited to be the meeting's guest speaker and provide the club with an update on the school since its arrival three years ago.
During his update, Oliver shared that his focus is better spent on his students, not all the other foolishness that goes on in the "political arena" of school district discussions. To all those who attended the meeting, it was very obvious that he wants to see every student succeed while attending his school.
“I'm here to educate kids," said Oliver, adding that in order to see the students succeed, the county and Somerset needed to 'move forward' and work together.
He told of his admiration and respect for Nancy Whitty, who has long been a tremendous supporter of local education and the children of the county. Oliver called Whitty his "superhero and number one go-to person." While he spoke fondly of Whitty, Oliver also commented on his pride toward all of the school personnel who are here to help, saying that they are all doing a fine job.
Learning gains for the first year of Jefferson Somerset were high, then in the second year they leveled off and now in its third year, Oliver said his goal is to see every grade level go up. And it was up, as of Christmas break.
Civics and US History seem to be the highest in grade scores and is one of the areas where local students are the strongest in.
The school has also added a Culinary Arts Kitchen and they plan to open a Recording Studio in the approaching future.
Jefferson Somerset's brand new STEM labs are being used by the K-5 classes and the school's agricultural program is picking up speed with student involvement.
The school is also working closely with Lively Technical College in Tallahassee, but Oliver admits that transportation for the attending students is very limited.
“It's a different place now,” he adds. “If you haven't been out to the school in a while, I invite you to come by for a visit. It's growing and changing every day.”
“I want to climb higher mountains. Then, when I get to the top, I want to look higher,” he continues in his vision for Jefferson Somerset and its students. “We have great kids here. I want to see them succeed.”
Oliver mentioned that he would like to see more local, faith-based volunteers involved in the school's Community Corner and he's been reaching out to churches to get more involvement in Grief Counseling when called upon.
“One hundred and fifty kids go home with backpacks filled with food every single Friday, thanks to local volunteer groups,” he adds. “And, we have a clothing pantry we can send our kids to for help - all run by volunteers.”
To be a school volunteer, contact Tomura Byrd Mathis, community liaison, at (850) 997- 3555.
“If she can't answer your questions, she will find the answer and get back to you. Local mentors are the best volunteers,” Oliver concludes.
The school saw 779 students in years two and three, and the goal is to show parents that this is a great school and to encourage them to bring their children back into Jefferson County.