August is a unique time of year. On one hand the "summer" is winding down and with that, there is always some sadness. However, on the other hand, there are still some fun family time and vacations planned. Lastly, it is filled with the excitement of school clothes shopping, seeing friends and classmates, and of course all of the outstanding learning opportunities that come with a new school year. For educators, it is the opportunity to get back to doing what we love and that is working with and educating our children. Although for many, students and staff alike, the alarm clock starts going off at what seems like an impossibly early time, this is one of the best times of the year. As with any school year we assuredly will experience many high and lows, conflicts, and struggles, however, as long as we face them with an open-mind, respect for all involved, and as a team, there is nothing that we will not overcome. WE ARE VESTABURG!
This past year the district was able to improve our school safety through the generous donations of our community. In just over a month, we were able to raise over $20,000 and as a result, we installed a "Boot" barricade in every classroom. This made us the first school in the area and one of the first in the state to do this. This year, in an effort to continue to increase student safety, we are implementing several new safety features including, a Bluetooth notification system, new reflective placards, and a protective device called the "Sheild" for glassed areas. We are able to do this through a new lighting project that includes updating and improving our lighting to LED lights and with the energy savings we will be able to pay for the security updates without impacting our general fund budget. In doing this, we became only the second school in the state of Michigan to implement this program, further demonstrating our commitment to protecting our students.
Furthermore, we will be continuing to expand our one to one technology initiative that will include each student in the middle and high school being assigned a Chromebook for the year. We are continuing to expand our service to at-risk students through our virtual program throughout the state of Michigan. In addition, we are looking forward to a new and improved food service program, new foreign language classes, and many other curricular and extra-curricular updates and improvements.
Lastly, it is a goal of all levels of our school district to invite and participate in meaningful two-way collaboration and communications with all of our stakeholders including, students, parents, staff, and community members and organizations. Some of you may have heard me say our school is our community and our community is our school. I truly believe that we need to be a strong team and to support each other in order for both the community and the school to grow and thrive. Neither one can maximize its potential without the other. Thus, we will continue to seek input from all and to look for ways to increase opportunities for input and collaboration.
So, here is to a great school year! I look forward to working with everyone and to watching our school continue to grow. WE ARE VESTABURG!
Brandon Hubbard
Superintendent
One of my favorite things about Vestaburg has been the smaller class sizes. It's been a wonderful benefit to my children, and I'm guessing for others as well. I believe the smaller class sizes have slowed my children to achieve better success than they would have in larger group settings I believe it helps teachers have the energy to meet the demands of a classroom. I also believe it helps teachers maintain a positive attitude when they feel they can more adequately meet the individual needs of their students. That leads to children feeling more calm and ready to learn. A win for all!, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI hope very careful consideration is given to the class sizes for this school year as well. It breaks my heart to think of children getting lost in a crowd of 39 with only a single teacher to staff the room. Perhaps a 3/4 grade split class or something else could be considered to keep advantages a smaller group setting provides? Even the best teacher has human limitations
I realize budgets are always a concern. But I believe that if staff and committed parents work together positive options could be found.
I don't want to see Vestaburg loose what I see as one of its greatest assets, a small individual learning environment.
Thank you for your consideration.