I am glad to report that I am not the only thing that’s new at NRHEG Schools! It has been a delight to watch over the past couple weeks as the school year has begun, seeing our halls and classrooms fill with students, and our buildings return to being the hubs of activity they were designed to be.
Of course, the most visible new aspect of our schools is the recently completed construction which has given us a new commons area and an expanded cafeteria and kitchen in the New Richland building. This new space is attractive and welcoming, so that it’s already “common” to see groups of students working and studying in the new area throughout the day. I have been delighted and pleased by the flexibility students and staff have shown as we create new routines and patterns which suit the new space.
If you can, free up some time on Monday, September 16: We’ll be having an open house that afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. Cooks, administrators and school board members will be on hand to offer some light refreshments, show you around, and answer any questions. Of course it will be a great chance to introduce yourselves to me or to our other new administrator, secondary principal David Bunn, or to say hello to others you’ve gotten to know. I hope you can stop by and see this exciting new development!
But in terms of things that are new at the school, I’m only getting a good start!
The new reading program at the elementary building is an exciting way we are helping the kids in grades K-5 strengthen their reading skills. In the secondary building, we are expanding the number of grades which use iPads as part of the instructional program; as time goes on, more and more levels each year will have this exciting enhancement to their classroom learning. One of my goals is that, by the end of the 2014-15 school year, every classroom and study area will have a wireless access point to support the expansion of our current and future technology.
We also found some new ways to deal with the hottest day of the year. In order to counter to the above-100-degree heat index on September 9, we set water coolers in the hallways for students to use, and handed out freeze-pops to students and staff.
From a personal perspective, though, I would like to say it is a privilege to take part in something which is obviously not new, the commitment our communities feel to giving our children an education that helps them become not only knowledgeable, but smart. I have been thrilled to see the dedication of everyone who works with the process of education at NRHEG schools.
Here’s an example. After the construction ran late, on Labor Day weekend when most people were out enjoying the holiday, I saw the custodians from both the New Richland and Ellendale buildings working together to finish the needed cleanup and get ready for the arrival of students on Tuesday. I saw cooks devising plans to deliver an inviting menu for the week, even though the kitchen was not yet functional. I saw school board members, staff members, and other volunteers giving of their time to be sure furniture was set up and things were ready.
It is indeed a blessing to work with so many who share a passion for serving the kids of our district. I look forward to a great year working side by side at NRHEG with the educators—whatever their title—who help our kids grow and learn.
