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 highs 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 continue to improve our school safety. We are continuing to add features and security updates to our system. We are anticipating the full SmartBoot system with the Bluetooth notification program to be up and running. To see a quick demo please visit our Facebook page at Vestaburg Community School or our webpage at www.vcs-k12.net. We are extremely proud of our advancements. We are one of only a couple of schools in the State of Michigan with this system and we are a national example. While we can never 100% predict the future, please know that we are doing everything possible to keep our students and children safe!
Furthermore, we are working hard to continue to implement the objectives as set forth by the Strategic Plan that was created last spring. We will be continuing to expand our one to one technology initiative that will include grades 3-12 with each student assigned a Chromebook for the year. We are expanding our service to at-risk students, approximately 1500 students, in our virtual program throughout the state of Michigan. Another area of focus continues to be the area of student behavior and discipline processes, as we strive to provide all of our students the best learning environment possible. As part of this focus, we have added an Elementary Dean of Students and are working to implement the Miblsi literacy and behavior initiative. In addition, we continue welcoming new staff, as well as, having current staff in new positions. Please stay tuned for more information as the staffing changes and new hires are still taking place.
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.
Here is to a great school year! I look forward to working with everyone and watching our school continue to grow. WE ARE VESTABURG!
