Change, Challenge and Opportunity
Changes continue and challenges remain, but both are clearly outnumbered by the opportunities to make this the best year ever for students and learning at USD 325.
Superintendent Mike Gower and Board of Education president Deb Kennedy kicked off the year with this common message at the opening staff inservice on Monday August 16.
At USD 325 our challenge is to make sure "everything we do is about improving student achievement," said Mr. Gower who this year serves the district as both Elementary Principal and 325 Superintendent. He shared his strong belief that this can and will happen through the power of positive relationships.
The district has set clear targets for student achievement and understands that "significant learning only occurs in a climate that fosters the development of significant relationships."
Mrs. Kennedy echoed similar sentiments and illustrated with a personal story:
Thirteen years ago I walked a little boy into a Kindergarten room with tears just rollin'. He was so excited the night before, but when the time came it was clear he thought: "This is change and I don't want to do it; I want my routine."
I walked him into the classroom... crying. I left...crying. I promised him I would check on him at lunchtime when he was at daycare. I did. He came running to me: "Mom! SCHOOL IS AWESOME!!"
"This is what we can't let change," she said, "the feeling our kids have that school is awesome!" Changes will happen, challenges will emerge, but opportunities abound. The staff of 325 is positively ready!
