Letter from the Superintendent - January 2017
Even though school is adjourned during Christmas break we still have projects that will be proceeding through the holiday. Work on the elementary building soffit, which is deteriorating and needs replaced, should begin soon. Once that process begins it will proceed quickly. There is a lot of deep cleaning that goes on in each building during the break. Killing many of the germs that come into the school will help kids get back on the mend and ready for the second semester. For our custodians, it is a very, very busy time.
This spring our practice track construction will begin, but during break Fisher Track out of Boone, Iowa, will be on site measuring and flagging for the impending dirt work to be completed prior to the actual pouring of concrete. Once the concrete has cured properly the rubber surfacing can be put on and lines painted. It will be a welcome site this summer to have the entire project in place and usable. At the elementary school, we have a swing set that is in need of replacement, so that will be done in May. The tire swings that are on the playground at this time must also be moved to comply with regulations and that is a project that must be done very carefully to insure that the equipment itself is not damaged. In the school setting, there are many codes and regulations that must be followed that may not be necessary in other settings. This is an example of such regulations.
A reminder to all that all closing notices go out on our Blackboard system, meaning you can get a voice message, text and e-mail all at one time for cancellations, postponements, etc. It is also posted on the Weatherthreat system that most radio and television stations use for such events. Just look for their logo on radio or television websites and you can monitor all of the area closings, from schools to business to social events. It’s a helpful tool. Please remember, we act carefully when weather events occur. We think of our students’ safety first, but must also consider parents’ ability to pick up children and line up a place for them to go if they are too young to be on their own. Many times that is a forgotten factor, and that can be a tough task for parents at times. Always know that if you feel that you want to pick up your child or send them home early due to hazardous weather, it is your choice to do so. With such a large district (square mile wise) it may be perfectly clear in one area and much worse in another. We make a lot of calls and keep in constant contact with our neighboring districts to see how their weather is, as well.
Sincerely,
R. Todd Porter
Superintendent