New District 204 leader pumped up for school to begin
As summer comes to a close, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 is transitioning to the start of another school year. On Monday morning we will open the doors of our 31 schools and welcome more than 29,000 students to a new year.
You might notice extra traffic on the streets as our 225 buses are called back into service to run more than 900 daily routes. Our 3,000 employees will be ready to greet students, and our food service staff will begin serving the first of the 1.7 million meals of the year.
While most students don't share my enthusiasm over the end of summer break, I've always found this to be a most exciting time. The start of school holds unlimited potential. For our students, it brings the opportunity to face new challenges and to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. For our teachers, it is the opportunity to help students reach goals they think are beyond their grasp. Over the course of the coming year, teachers will celebrate students' successes, big and small.
As we begin a new year of study, I too have much to learn. As the new kid on the block, I've been trying to learn as much as I can about Indian Prairie and our community. What I've learned in my short time here is that there is much to celebrate.
Our students excel in so many areas. It's obvious they are supported by very involved parents who care about their achievement. Students can achieve greatness when they are supported by caring adults who are engaged in their education.
Our teachers are to be commended, too. They are committed to our students and work tirelessly to help them succeed. This past week I had the opportunity to address 2,500 staff members at our back-to-school institute day. To see so many enthusiastic staff members in one room was electrifying. It was a wonderful opportunity to share with staff my vision of where I hope we can take the district.
We must continue to improve student achievement and increase opportunities for our kids. It's as simple as that. Making that happen requires the collective efforts of many people. Fortunately this community is filled with dedicated individuals who share the same goals.
In the coming weeks I will work with my staff to further set the course of our year. We have begun examining the challenges that face us and will continue to discuss how those can be shaped as we move forward. We will also continue our discussions of increasing community outreach and our need to focus on students needing extra assistance.
As we get to know one another, you will hear me say often that my decisions are always based on one criterion -- doing what's best for kids. I've learned that the people in this district share a very similar philosophy. I know that together we will do some great things for our kids.
I invite you to join me on the journey of the upcoming school year.