Events Calendar

• Our team will meet to create a comprehensive shared calendar for the upcoming year.
• We aim to integrate all key events for better planning and community awareness.

Fundraising

• Ongoing fundraising efforts are vital to support our programs.
• Details on specific initiatives and how you can contribute will be shared soon.

• 6th Grade Moving Up Ceremony: This new ceremony will take the place of the former 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, celebrating our 6th graders' transition.
• 8th Grade Graduation: Please note, there will be no formal 8th Grade Graduation ceremony.
• Homecoming (Grades 7-12): Homecoming activities will now include students from grades 7 through 12. This exciting event will feature Spirit Week, a Pep Rally, and Floats.
• Homecoming Dance (Grades 9-12): The Homecoming Dance will be open to students in grades 9 through 12.
• Circus - 6th Grade: A special "Circus" event is planned for our 6th-grade students on January 28, 2025.

Yearbook

• We are pleased to announce two dedicated yearbook advisors.
• There will be two distinct yearbooks: one for the Elementary School (ES) and one for the Junior/Senior High School (Jr.Sr. Yearbook).

Clubs & Organizations

• 6th-grade students will now have access to participate in both the Elementary School Play and the Junior High Musical (formerly known as MS Musical).

• Team Approach: The successful team approach will continue for grades 7 & 8 and will now be extended to include grade 9. While the core of this approach will be similar to the previous 6-8 model, some refinements are being implemented to optimize student experience.
• Class Sizes (K-12): Class sizes across all grades (Kindergarten through 12th grade) will remain consistent with those of previous academic years.
• Lunch Times: Lunch times for UPK - 6 are currently being configured and will be updated by our August communication. Grades 7 - 12 will follow a standard configuration.
• Recess: Yes, all elementary students will continue to have dedicated recess time.
• Report Card (6th Grade): 6th grade will follow the Elementary School report card schedule. However, grades for 6th grade will be reported on a numerical basis.
• Intramurals: Intramural programs will be available for both 6th grade and Elementary students (including 5th grade).

At this time, there are no specific updates regarding course offerings. Comprehensive information on course selections and curriculum will be provided in our **August update**.

Our Immediate Next Steps:

• Finalize the complete event calendar.
• Communicate detailed lunch schedules by August.
• Continue to provide transparent and timely updates to the community.

WHY THIS POSITION MATTERS

• Early Intervention and Student Success

  • Our goal is to build a strong foundation for each student’s educational journey, beginning in elementary school.

  • Timely, effective support early in a student’s career leads to better long-term outcomes.

• Rising Student Needs

  • Discipline referrals continue to increase, indicating a growing need for consistent behavioral support and proactive intervention.

• Unsustainable Support Model

  • Currently, multiple staff members—including the social worker, school psychologist, guidance counselor, principal, and other administrators—are diverting significant time to managing discipline and behavior issues.

  • This pulls these professionals away from their primary roles, including proactive mental health support, guidance programming, and academic planning.

• Impact on Curriculum Leadership

  • The building principal serves as the instructional and curriculum leader of the school.

  • The increasing demands of student management severely limit the time available to support teachers’ instructional growth and oversee the academic program.

• Strategic Staffing for Student Growth

  • Adding an Assistant Principal will allow for consistent and focused support in student behavior and management.

  • This position would free up critical time for counselors and support staff to work preventatively with students and families.

  • It enables the principal to refocus on curriculum leadership, instructional improvement, and staff development.

• Recommended Best Practice

  • The current structure is not sustainable and does not reflect recommended administrative staffing for schools with increasing behavioral and support needs.

  • The addition of an Assistant Principal aligns with best practices for balancing leadership, discipline, and student-centered supports.

HOW WE ARE FUNDING THIS POSITION

• How Does This Impact the Budget?

  • The voter approved budget for the 2025-26 school year will not be impacted by this position.

  • To support this position, the administrative team made a recommendation based on what is “needed” vs. what was “wanted” within the Administrative portion of the 3-Part Budget and determined that certain “paid” services could be brought back to the district and will now be completed “in-house”. 

QUESTIONS?

Please reach out to the District Office at 315-497-2670. Thank you for your support!