Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509070080
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Gary Galbreath greets each child who gets off the bus and presses a sticker on his or her shoulder. Some stickers urge the children to "Say No to Drugs." Others say, simply, "Hugs."
Meeting the children each morning is part of his educational philosophy.
"If we can greet them, it seems to start the day off better," he said Wednesday morning, as he waited for another bus. ``Some need a little hug. Some need someone to just say `good morning.'''
Galbreath is the new principal of Hurt Park Elementary, one of Roanoke's most troubled schools. He had been principal at Garden City Elementary for five years, and before that, for four years at Virginia Heights Elementary.
Galbreath has stayed busy during the first two days of the new school year handling late registrations, talking with parents and easing their anxieties, listening to complaints about buses failing to pick up children, and even visiting the home of a student to seek his records from another school system.
Galbreath's hectic day begins before 8 a.m. when children begin arriving at the school, off Salem Avenue Southwest. By 8:15, there is a steady stream of youngsters. Buses arrive shortly afterward.
For the next two hours, he stays on the go, dealing with a series of minor crises as pupils, teachers and others seek his attention and help.
He kneels and talks with children, comforting those who are apprehensive about leaving their parents. He directs kids who have not had breakfast to the school's cafeteria, where they can get a hot meal.
The children have started to warm to Galbreath already.
"He's kind of nice," said Antwon Davis, a third-grader.
"He's fine. I like him," said Rashad Morris, a fourth-grader.
One Hurt Park mother, Anna George, is glad Galbreath has become the school's principal. She knew him when he was at Garden City and she lived in Southeast Roanoke.
"That is a good man. I am glad that he came over here," she said, after she had greeted and hugged him when she brought her three children to school.
Galbreath, 45, said he knows Hurt Park will be a challenge. In recent years, it has been beset with internal conflict, a weak Parent-Teacher Association and complaints about the management style of former principal William Shepherd.
But Galbreath is confident that the children, the parents and the neighborhood will work together to change the school's atmosphere and image.
"Every school has its own challenges. The challenge in this school is one that I like," he said. "This is a win-win situation."
Galbreath, who grew up in the Tidewater area, has always wanted to work with disadvantaged children.
During his first 10 years in education, he taught in Grayson and Washington counties in Southwest Virginia. He taught for four years at Mount Rogers School, one of the smallest schools in the state.
"They are the forgotten folk, the people who don't get much attention," he said.
He sees similarities between the Mount Rogers and Hurt Park schools, because both serve disadvantaged children.
Galbreath, a Virginia Tech graduate, thinks such schools can have a strong influence on neighborhoods.
His enthusiasm for his post has impressed PTA leaders.
"I think the morale has improved drastically. When you see the principal and vice principal outside greeting the children each morning, it makes you feel better," said Su Albert, co-president of the PTA.
Michelle Day, a former Roanoke teacher who did an administrative internship under Galbreath at Garden City, has been named assistant principal at Hurt Park, which has an enrollment of about 320.
Albert said Galbreath bubbles with ambition and energy to improve the school. "He and Michelle Day make such a creative pair," she said.
Larry Bixler, formerly a guidance counselor at Garden City, also has moved to Hurt Park.
Superintendent Wayne Harris said Galbreath made a strong plea for the Hurt Park post after Shepherd announced his retirement last spring.
"He said he liked a challenge. He said he thought he could go there and make a difference," Harris said.
Harris gave Galbreath the freedom to hire a new staff and try new approaches. The superintendent said all teaching and staff positions were opened for applications to ensure that everyone at the school wanted to be there. Some staff members have remained, but all the teachers are new.
Galbreath has the option to consider new approaches such as a longer school day or school year if he thinks it will help the children's academic achievement, Harris said.
Galbreath said he will work closely with the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley in its free after-school program five days a week at the school. The program provides tutoring, games, field trips and other activities.
Galbreath, who has a master's degree in education administration from the University of Virginia, already is improving the school's appearance and has plans for more changes.
Flowers have been planted around the cafeteria and gymnasium. The front columns and trim around the school have been painted.
Galbreath said trees will be planted along the driveway and the parking lot will be paved. The city's Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to develop a playground and small park in front of the school.
He already has spoken at several churches in the Hurt Park community seeking support for the school and his plans to upgrade it.
"I am convinced that the surrounding community will be responsive; it has already responded," he said.
"The kids have a lot of potential. This is why I work - to help others."
Galbreath is an accomplished storyteller who entertains his pupils with his tales. It is a hobby that he began more than 20 years ago when he performed in the outdoor drama "The Long Way Home" in Radford.
For recreation, he cuts grass and rides his horse. He lives on a small farm in the city. He developed a love for the rural life during his years in Southwest Virginia.
by CNB