Welcome Back Mustang Families and Friends!

It has been a great summer, but I am more than ready for the school year to begin.

I enjoy the summer break for several reasons, but one of my favorite things at this time of year is seeing the campus begin to fill with staff who are intentionally working to design their classrooms to maximize student learning and seeing them reconnect with their colleagues. It is even more rewarding to see students start flooding the campus as activities and athletic seasons begin. The energy, excitement, and sense of community that return with the start is very motivational.

This summer, we spent time improving several aspects of our communication with students, staff, and families by implementing a new communication platform, ParentSquare. The app allows you to receive and view messages from the school while giving you control over how and when you receive them, either instantly or in a daily digest delivered at the end of the day. The app will also update district-owned social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Please keep in mind, we do not post official school communications on other social media sites, so if you want accurate information about school, you will want to use the ParentSquare app. Your invitation to join ParentSquare has been sent to your email.

We also unveiled a new website this summer. While the web address remains the same, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by its new look and improved design. The site is much easier to navigate, making it simpler to find the information need.

Next week, our staff will participate in professional learning sessions while preparing for students to begin classes on August 24. I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Kindra Weston and four members of her team on Monday morning as they share their expertise with our staff through a presentation and panel discussion. This opportunity to learn from experienced mental health professionals will provide valuable insights as we begin the new school year together. I greatly appreciate their willingness to support, encourage, and inspire our staff as we continue our commitment to meeting the needs of every student.

Open House is scheduled for August 20 at 5:00 p.m. at each of our schools. I would like to extend a personal invitation for you and your family to attend this event and connect with the teachers and staff who will be working with your children throughout the school year. We also have several new team members joining our district, and I am excited for you to have the opportunity to meet them. Attending the Open House is a positive way to build relationships and become familiar with the people who will be working with your children.

I am excited about the start of the school year and hope you will take the opportunity to connect with our staff at Open House. I look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together in the months ahead. I am confident it will be a successful year.

Make the Most of It

The school year is coming to an end this week, and summer break sounds like a dream come true.

It’s been a full and successful year filled with chances to learn, get involved, try new things, and spend time with friends. There’s a lot to feel good about and much to celebrate. But even in a year full of good moments, we all need a chance to hit pause.

Summer gives us that chance. A chance to take a well-earned break to reset and do things a little differently. Perhaps it’s time to take back control of our busy schedules and give ourselves permission to slow down. Take a longer walk, enjoy a family meal, teach your kids something new, or simply have a long overdue conversation.

Summer is about recharging, but also about exploring. It’s a chance to try something new, spend more time with the people who matter most, and say yes to experiences that bring joy. Whether that’s traveling, working, spending time outdoors, or simply slowing down, there’s value in all of it.

While I’ll continue working this summer, I’m also looking forward to a little extra time with my family, my dogs, and diving into a few books I’ve been meaning to read for far too long. Those small moments are often the ones that help us come back refreshed and ready for what’s next.

So take this time. Enjoy it. Make the most of it.

A Few Thoughts for Our Graduates

Graduates, I’d like to share a few thoughts I have learned from others over time.

I know you have spent many years in school hearing advice from teachers, family members, and mentors. Still, I invite you to take a moment to truly reflect on these words as you move forward.

First, take time to understand how your past has shaped you, but do not stay there. Let your experiences guide you, not define you. Continue to listen, learn, and grow through the relationships you build and the opportunities you embrace.

Second, pursue your dreams, passions, and career goals with purpose. Commit to a strong work ethic and take pride in your efforts. Have a plan, but remember, Plan B is not a sign of failure. It is preparation. It is resilience. It is wisdom.

Third, lead with compassion. Be kind, even when others are different from you. Care for those who may be struggling, and support those in need. Empathy and understanding are not just admirable traits; they are strengths that will carry you far in life.

Finally, embrace the responsibility that comes with adulthood. With greater freedom comes the need for solid decision making. What feels easy or exciting in the moment is not always what is right in the long term. Surround yourself with people who will guide you, encourage you, and challenge you to grow into your very best self. 

I trust you will carry these thoughts with you as you move into this new era of your life. 

ISASP Testing Begins This Week!

School is filled with excitement as we begin the final quarter. The season is tightly scheduled with activities, Prom, and other end of the year traditions that make the time go by quickly.

Yes, we are having a great time and continuing our strong academic focus. Next week is an important time for our students. They will take the ISASP assessments. These tests help us understand students' progress, pointing to areas where we can adjust instruction. The results are also used for state reporting and performance profiles.

The staff works hard to create a conducive testing environment that is calm and supportive. There are a few ways you can help us prepare your child to feel ready. A good night’s sleep, arriving on time, eating a healthy breakfast at home or at school, and encouraging a positive mindset can make a difference.

Some students do experience test anxiety, and it can be overwhelming. You can help your child by reassuring them that anxiety is a normal and legitimate feeling, but it is not an indicator that they are unprepared. Encourage them to make a strong effort, use calming breathing techniques, and manage their pacing while taking the assessments.

Students with ADHD are very capable learners, but testing periods may become challenging as they require sustained focus and time limits. The pressure can make it hard for them to remain calm and organized. There are some things that can be done at home that can be helpful. A short walk, a little stretching, or a bit of exercise can be beneficial before school. It can help with self-regulation and attention. Preparing the night before reduces stress and makes a difference in how the day goes (clothes and backpacks ready).

There are a few tried-and-true testing strategies that benefit all students. You can find these on numerous websites and AI tools, but it is the same list…they work.

• Reading directions twice
• Eliminating obviously wrong answers
• Breaking the test into chunks
• Checking pacing at natural stopping points

We appreciate your partnering with us to support your child and help them do their very best on their assessments. Together, we’ll finish the year strong.

Positive Budget News and Next Steps

The District held its first public budget hearing this week, and the news was positive. The tax levy will be lower for the FY27 school year, and the income surtax was reduced as well. These are the kinds of announcements that are always well received by the public and taxpayers, and ones we are proud to share.

Achieving this outcome required a great deal of internal dialogue, thoughtful planning, and a clear commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Doing so in a year like this was especially important, as supplemental state aid came in lower than what most school districts need to maintain operations.

This was the first of two required public budget hearings. A second hearing will be held in April prior to the budget being finalized.

I appreciate the school board’s diligence and commitment to maintaining a strong financial position so we can continue to deliver a high standard of education for our students.

Where Hearts Bloom and Minds Grow Together

Every week at Shenandoah Community School District, I’m fortunate to walk the halls of our schools and witness the small, beautiful moments that remind me why this work matters. A student proudly shares a piece of artwork in the hallway. A teacher kneeling beside a child who needs a little extra support. A student stepping onto the stage for the very first time, their confidence blooming in real time. A child rushing over to introduce you to their family. A staff member volunteers to create something special simply because it will brighten a child’s day.

These may not be newsworthy storylines, but they exemplify the heartbeat of our district. They remind us that teaching and learning are deeply emotional, and that the human element of education can never be diminished. In Shenandoah, we educate hearts as well as minds.

Over the years, I have learned that these moments reflect the climate and culture of our school community. They grow out of a culture built on relationships, care, and compassion. It is a culture where staff make a difference for our students. Behind every special moment are special people who lead with their hearts. Their acts of kindness and belief in our students create the support students need to invest themselves in learning.

Student families and our wider community are essential to this learning environment. Our district benefits from support that helps us succeed. Our partnership strengthens all we do and ensures students are surrounded by those who believe in them.

I am grateful to everyone who fosters this culture of care and proud of how our staff builds a place where hearts bloom and minds grow together.

It Takes Grit

I am extremely proud of the outstanding achievements our students made this weekend. Their hard work, dedication, and talent shone brightly across a variety of activities. From fine arts to athletics, our students represented Shenandoah with excellence.

Success like this does not come easy. Many people have strong talent, but it is grit or the willingness to work, persist, and push through challenges that sets exceptional performers apart. Our students have spent countless hours developing their skills, accepting feedback and applying it to their craft, and trying “just one more time.” It all made a difference, and the results are truly impressive.

Academically, this same principle applies. Students who excel in the classroom build strong discipline and study habits, devote extra time to deepen their understanding, and challenge themselves with more difficult tasks. Just like in activities and athletics, growth comes from effort and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.