Earlier this month, my youngest daughter, Miriam, participated in the OMEA District 4 Middle School Honor Band. This experience brought together students from across Northeast Ohio to learn, rehearse, and perform under the direction of a highly regarded conductor. In just two rehearsals, paired with individual practice, nearly 100 eighth-grade students came together to perform music they may not otherwise have encountered.
As a superintendent and as a father, being in the audience that day was incredibly special. For the nine Rocky River Middle School students selected to participate, it was more than just a performance. It was an opportunity to expand their horizons, build relationships through a shared passion, and even enjoy a free pizza lunch along the way.
As I reflected on the experience, I kept coming back to two individuals who made this moment possible for my daughter.
The first is someone many in our community know well: Mrs. Kelly Baiera, our middle school band director. Quite candidly, my youngest daughter is not a fan of school. She works her way through each day, and we have plenty of conversations about that at home. But she loves music. She plays piano, performs percussion in the concert band, experiments on the drum set at home, and even writes her own music. This is where she comes alive.
Mrs. Baiera has been an unwavering advocate for Miriam. She has found ways to connect with her, to build her confidence, and to challenge her. She places her in situations that require growth. Most importantly, she believes in Miriam, even during moments when Miriam may not believe in herself. As a parent, I have seen that growth firsthand, and I am deeply grateful for her investment.
The second person is someone many of you may not know: Bart Jackson – “Mr. Bart,” as we call him. Mr. Bart was Miriam’s former drum instructor when we lived in Marysville, Ohio. When he learned that Miriam would be performing in the Honor Band, he made the nearly two-hour drive north just to be there and support her.
That kind of commitment leaves an impact.
Mr. Bart has always pushed Miriam to be her best. He has challenged her to grow, to reflect, and to step outside of her comfort zone. His belief in her has been a constant throughout her musical journey, and it continues to shape who she is becoming.
In Rocky River City Schools, one of our core expectations for our staff is simple but powerful: “Believe in Growth”.
The beauty of education, and of life, is that we are never finished. Every individual has strengths to build upon and opportunities to grow. Each of us brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences that can add value to the world around us. Our responsibility as educators is to recognize those qualities and help students grow into them.
In partnership with our families and community, this belief drives our work each day. We aim to provide high expectations, meaningful opportunities, and the support necessary to build confidence in our young people. We want them to take risks, embrace challenges, and continue growing into whatever their future holds beyond Rocky River.
Mrs. Baiera and Mr. Bart embody this belief for my daughter. They challenge her appropriately. They create opportunities for growth. And they consistently reinforce the belief that she is capable of more.
I am proud to serve in a community filled with educators and families who live out this commitment every day. At our core, we want our students to grow into the best versions of themselves over time.
When we believe in them, it is amazing what they can do.
Thank you to everyone who pours that belief into our young people.
With Pirate Pride,
Adham
With Pirate Pride 