That single word describes just what the administration at the soon-to-open Doral Middle School defines what this institution will be about.

Only two weeks ago, we had an opportunity to outline some of the major initiatives to be implemented at Doral Middle School to a standing-room-only audience in the auditorium of John I. Smith Elementary School.

There was great excitement that evening as the activity opened with a fashion show with students modeling uniforms that will be worn next school year at the new school.

During that same meeting, a new P.T.S.A. Board of Directors was elected, giving parents an opportunity to join the first P.T.S.A. in the history of the school.

The level of participation that evening clearly illustrates the kind of commitment and devotion to children's education on the part of the community, parents, and friends from the Doral community.

As school administrators we are overtly proud and inspired to deliver the best of ourselves, as we are equally committed to create one of the finest educational institutions of its kind. As educators, we are tightly connected with the notion that knowledge equals power. Consequently, the driving force of our lives is an inner desire to acquire and pass along to our students all of the knowledge necessary to make of them empowered citizens of our society.

With that in mind, we are now assembling a most powerful cadre of instructors united by the same commitment to knowledge acquisition and delivery.

In the Winter 1999-2000 issue of American Educator, Richard F. Elmore defined standards-based reform: "Society must make clear what it expects from schools by setting standards that describe what students should know and be able to; and schools and school systems must be held accountable for making sure students meet these standards."

We agree with this definition and furthermore we have a clear understanding of the kind of expectations that the Doral community in particular has of its public education system.

Nonetheless, although we will devote every ounce of our energies to meet these standards, we can not do it alone. We will be looking forward to many more standing-room-only activities energized by parents and community in general looking forward to become actively involved in the process of educating our children.

Together we can, and we will, meet the challenge.