Reading, problem solving among goals for year

The start of a new school year brings with it a sense of hope for parents, staff and students. Our hope at Geneva CUSD 304 is for everyone to make this school year the best ever. I often tell people that when we work to make each year the best, then we end up with a lifetime of wonderful years. This is certainly our hope for each of our students!

Goals and action plans

The school board recently finalized the district's educational goals and action plans for this year. These are available on our Web site at www.geneva304.org and in booklet form at each school building.

Our 'Goals Booklet' defines many specific goals, action plans, and the processes we use on a daily basis and in long term planning. This document reflects the work of our staff, input from our community, and the work of our board of education over many hours and several years in our effort to continue to serve students as well as possible.

Our goals for this year focus on reading, problem solving, and success for all students. We are using these goals to coordinate our efforts in all areas of our district.

Completing curriculum

Many studies of extra- and co-curricular participation by students have been conducted to determine the value of such participation in a student's academic performance and in overall success in life.

These studies consistently demonstrate that students involved in these positive activities excel in what they do. Extra- and co-curricular activities teach many positive things to students, help them develop a focus for energy, instill a sense of responsibility and organization, and offer the benefits derived from teamwork and a sense of belonging.

These activities provide our students with a comprehensive curriculum and enhance the value of our academic offerings. We offer so many K-12 activities, and it is our hope that every student finds a way to be involved in something.

Senior citizen passes

We know that the school district belongs to our community. Many years ago, there was a program called the 'Senior Viking' program where senior citizens were offered an activity pass to attend home events at GHS. We have brought this concept back to our district and are now offering Senior Citizen Activity Passes to those folks who are 62 years or older and reside within the district.

These passes allow senior citizens to attend all home athletic events (excluding IHSA playoffs) and dress rehearsals for fine arts performances. They are available at the activities office at the high school or at the central administration offices on Fourth Street. We encourage senior citizens to pick up these free passes and then attend these events. Our GHS students do well in everything that they do, and we encourage people to see them perform and cheer them on!

Public forums to begin

The year's first public forum will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Coultrap Elementary School's cafeteria. The public is invited to attend this forum for a presentation of the district's goals and action plans for the 2007-08 school year. Input from the public is also appreciated in this venue. A list of upcoming forum dates and topics is forthcoming.