Permit me to admit that I am not fond of public speaking. When I arrived at the podium during May’s graduation ceremony, it was after more than a few restless nights. I trust you will see my point when I say I like it here so much that I hope to see many classes of kindergarteners become graduates, even though it will cost me weeks of nervous trepidation. For that to happen, I know I have to keep meeting the changing, growing needs that face our students not only today, but into the future.
Over the past weeks, I’ve delivered a series of commentaries about the NRHEG strategic plan. I hope you’ve found the information interesting, but whether you’ve read those pieces or not, you will have no trouble understanding this one, which wraps up my ideas on the topic.
The most important thing to remember about the planning and changes I have described is that they are part of a big picture that improves the opportunities for learning we offer to our communities’ kids. You probably remember that I’ve talked about steps we are taking to strengthen our teaching system, give teachers more time to collaborate about our students and their learning, upgrade technology, maintain and modernize certain aspects of our buildings, facilitate community interaction, and protect the financial security of the district.
If you’re curious about any of those topics, you can go on-line to the school web site and find out more. If you have any questions, feel welcome to contact me directly using information you’ll find there.
I have mentioned before that I feel privileged to be here at NRHEG Schools. There’s an old saying about how a dwarf sitting on a giant’s shoulder can see farther than the giant can; there are certain parallels for me. The NRHEG communities have kept a sharp eye on their schools, giving me the opportunity to take what’s already strong and look for ways to move it forward. The strategic planning process allowed a group of about 15 people, including teachers, school board members, and administrative staff to examine where we are and seriously consider where we would like to be. The thoughtful efforts of those stakeholders will help steer our forward progress.
Every journey, of course, must take place in stages, and we are at the beginning of this one. I hope you will keep your eyes on the school district; consider attending a few school board meetings; touch base when you have questions, concerns, or compliments. I want you to watch what’s being done in our buildings and feel comfortable that the changes you see are part of a responsible, transparent effort to take what’s already good and make it better. Your feedback — whether positive or negative — will help me stay on the track I hope to be following.
For now, I ask you to take another look at the school mission which the strategic planners arrived at. This statement is meant to summarize what our district is all about, its overriding purpose. As you read it, you will recognize that it is both an affirmation of how highly the people at our school prize your children, and a declaration that we will do our best by them. It is a promise that, under my leadership, we hope to keep:
Providing students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will enable them to succeed in a globally competitive society. Empower, Learn, Succeed.
