Dear Colleagues:
Once again, the beginning of another school year is upon us. As your summer break winds down, I hope it was both relaxing and enjoyable for you. With that being said, I want to welcome you to the upcoming school year.
As I reflect on the past school year, I cannot overstate how impressive it was to observe the hard work and dedication from so many of you at every school and setting I routinely visited, regardless of the position you held. As your superintendent, nothing I experienced was more satisfying.
As you return on August 14th, I want to share with you our plans. All employees will report to their respective work location for “Policies and Procedures.” We are dedicating the entire day to this to give ample time to cover everything thoroughly. Principals will also use a portion of this time to share data specific to their individual school.
On Tuesday, August 15th, all employees will report to the Landes Arts Center. We will begin at 9:00 a.m. and I will make a few brief comments as we welcome everyone back for a new year. We will then have a guest speaker and I am extremely excited to announce that it is nationally renowned educational speaker, Todd Whitaker. Many of you already read his book “What Great Teachers Do Differently” and participated in the book study on that very topic. His message will be for everyone, and I firmly believe you will find renewed inspiration to start your school year after hearing his words.
Our plan is to conclude at 11:30 a.m. with lunch following at Petersburg High School at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be provided by the Grant County Bank and prepared by the Dorcas Ruritan Club. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful community support. As we wrap up lunch, Mr. Avery Anderson, Director of Administrative Services, will award the “Years of Service” pins to our respective employees. At 1:00 p.m. we will continue our staff development training in Petersburg High School’s cafeteria. A complete listing of the 2023-24 Staff Development Schedule is attached.
In closing, I cannot overstate how appreciative I am of the job each of you do. Regardless of your role, you play a vital part in our ability to serve kids and fully meet their needs. We can never forget that is our top priority and obligation, regardless of how bogged down we sometimes get. I have always believed the greatest resource the Grant County School System has is it’s employees. As I step into my third year as superintendent, I still firmly believe that. We have a monumental task ahead of us and I know each of you are up to it.
Thanks again for all you do and enjoy the remainder of your summer. I look forward to seeing each of you upon your return.
Mitch Webster, Superintendent