Seasons Greetings - December 2007 - January 2008
Brian Friddle, Superintendent
During the holidays people tend to examine the good things that are in their lives. I hope that you all will consider the relationships that make up your daily schedule. These are truly the most important aspects of who we are and how we interact. One of the major strengths that Webberville Community Schools offers is the fact that our staff knows who their students are, and uses that relationship to engage students in the various activities that are offered within our school district.
In a continuing effort to engage our community with our school district, on December 14th approximately 29 students, staff, and community members met to go over the strategic plan for the district. The indicators of success, and strategies used to achieve that success, were examined. During this three hour meeting several questions were considered by the participants: What cost saving measures could the school implement to save funds? What will quality schools look like in ten years? What are the most important issues that need to be addressed in the next 12-18 months? Take a few minutes and consider these questions and feel free to email me your responses. I would love to hear from you and include your input in decisions that are made within the district.
On December 19th I had the opportunity to meet with the staff and discuss the State of the School. While we find the state of Michigan in very hard economic times, and unemployment near the highest in the country, our school district is in good shape. We continue to showcase many points of pride and continue to provide new opportunities for our students. While our finances are tight, our budget is balanced. Our school has become a school of choice for many across the area that are looking for a small school environment with big opportunity.
Focusing on the New Year approaching, we take time to consider changes in our lives, removing bad habits, and replacing them with healthy ones. In this New Year I am resolved to spend more time in the classrooms to support students and staff in pursuing greater student achievement. Over the last few years we have adjusted our curriculum to address all of the state guidelines. Our continued focus will be on adjusting our instruction to be more effective at addressing this curriculum.
I encourage you to come to the school and take action on that New Year’s resolution that you are considering. If it involves getting in shape, bring a friend and try the Spartan Center and the various opportunities that are available for exercise. If it is getting involved, come and volunteer with a teacher or with the boosters. If you need a resolution, I would encourage you to spend some time investing in a student. Be resolved to spend time reading with a student, helping them to study or do their home work, or just spend quality time with them in a favorite hobby. You will find that this is a very healthy and rewarding thing for the student…and for you.
I wish you well in the New Year and I look forward to serving you and the students of Webberville Community Schools.