By By Irina Perry
Reynoldsburg City Schools brought employees, education leaders, community partners and elected officials together for its annual Convocation, opening the new school year with a message centered on unity, growth, courage and the belief that “Anything Is Possible.”
The gathering recognized the many people who make the district work every day, from teachers and paraprofessionals to secretaries, custodians, counselors, social workers, office personnel and other support staff. Throughout the program, speakers emphasized that while students are the reason behind the district’s work, employees across Reynoldsburg City Schools are the people who make that work possible.
One of the central messages of the morning was inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Staff members were encouraged to consider how small, consistent changes can eventually produce significant results.
The message focused on improving by just one percent, becoming a little more positive, innovative, courageous or intentional each day.
The idea connected directly to the district. Reynoldsburg City Schools is a system made up of individuals, and when individuals make small positive changes together, those improvements can have a much larger effect on students, schools and the community.
Employees were challenged to identify one small habit they could change during the school year and make that change consistent.
Aleyna Dragonette, President of the Reynoldsburg Education Association (REA), spoke about her personal connection to Reynoldsburg and the importance of employee participation.
A Reynoldsburg graduate, Dragonette reflected on returning to serve the community that helped raise and educate her. As she enters her sixth year of teaching, she acknowledged the veteran educators and colleagues who have supported her throughout her career.
Dragonette compared union membership to gym membership rather than an insurance policy. Her message was that an organization becomes stronger when members actively participate—attending meetings, making their voices heard and supporting their colleagues.
She also addressed challenges facing public education across Ohio, including school funding, staffing, vouchers, failed levies and increasing demands on educators.
Another portion of the program recognized employees throughout the district, including educators, secretaries, custodians, IT and office staff, counselors, social workers and others.
RSSNA President Chrissy Harrell also reflected on her long connection to Reynoldsburg. Harrell shared that she has experienced the district as a student, a parent of four children and an employee. She has been connected to the Reynoldsburg community for approximately 44 years and is approaching 21 years as a district employee.
District leaders, including Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny, City Council members, Ohio State Representative Meredith Lawson-Rowe and other community leaders attended the Convocation.
Ohio State Representative Meredith Lawson-Rowe, who represents House District 5 and has deep connections to Reynoldsburg recalled the many roles she played while raising children—mother, first teacher, nurse, encourager, volunteer, homework helper, carpool coordinator and, as she jokingly described it, an “unpaid Uber driver.”
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