It is August now, and school is starting soon. I must say I love this time of year. There is a new level of energy and life on campus. It is busy, but it has been a good summer, and it is time now to shift some of our thinking towards what lies ahead. I am incredibly excited to see what this school year brings for our students and staff because we have spent a great amount of time preparing for everyone to return.
Brand new computers are ready and waiting for our students and staff. Efforts were also made to improve the District's wireless access. This kept our technology staff quite busy, but it was worth the effort. These tools will help the teachers facilitate high-quality, relevant learning experiences for our students.
The custodial and maintenance staff diligently cleaned the buildings, cared for the grounds and landscaping, and ensured the installation of the L.E.D. lights in the High School gym, new carpeting in the elementary and middle school, and other projects went smoothly. The environment looks fresh and nice.
I previously introduced the new staff members who have been hired as teachers. I appreciate the staff who have stepped forward to help them acclimate to the system, mentor and support these new professionals in our system.
The District worked to recruit and train additional bus drivers. Finding the right people to drive is essential as the drivers are the first and last staff members to have contact with our students each day. Good people have stepped forward to go through the process of obtaining their license with the DOT to be authorized to drive a school bus. I am confident they will take great care of our students.
Many of our teachers, associates, bus drivers, and food service staff worked during the summer to support the district’s extended learning camps. They also have participated in various training sessions, meetings and classes so they will be prepared to start the school year. Our coaches have held camps and encouraged athletes to train in the offseason so the athletes will be ready to compete.
Some of our administrators are now serving in different roles. This change has required them to think differently about working with people, building strong relationships, developing processes and implementing procedures in new settings. Additionally, they have been working along-side our teacher leaders planning professional development. This is important work as we want to provide the staff with relevant, meaningful learning opportunities and also allow them sufficient independent planning to prepare for our students.
Students are registered, textbooks and supplies have been ordered, and the secretarial staff has confirmed many details so the teachers and students will have what they need for the school year.
Our team had an ambitious to-do list to complete this summer. It has required a fair amount of planning, follow through and collaboration to make things happen but when it all comes together, there is a sense of accomplishment and pride in the collective effort that has been made. It is a good feeling to look back and know that together we have conquered the list and are nearly ready for the students and staff to return. I appreciate all of the time and effort that the staff has made to make Shenandoah CSD the place to be for the 2018-2019 school year.
