Welcome Back, Students, Families, and Community
As we begin a new school year, I want to take a moment to welcome back our students, families, staff, and the entire community. A new school year brings with it a renewed sense of energy, opportunity, and excitement. It is a time to set new goals, build new relationships, and create new opportunities for our students to learn and grow.
This year, we are excited about several new initiatives that will help us continue moving our schools forward and better serve our students and community.
One of the changes families and students will notice this year is our new cell phone and social media policy. We recognize that technology is an important part of our students' lives, but we also know that schools must remain places where students can focus, connect with others, and engage fully in learning. The new Kansas law does not allow students to have cell phones while at school. Students may leave their phones at home, in their vehicles (high school) or give them to administration as they enter the buildings. With social media restrictions, our only form of two way communication with students and parents will be through school emails and Apptegy Rooms. We will continue to provide information to students, parents and community through our website and Facebook pages but it will be just one way communication. We appreciate the support of our families and community as we work together to create an environment where students can be present, engaged, and successful.
We are also excited about our efforts to strengthen our partnership with Seward County Community College and develop a stronger local presence for college and career opportunities. We are working toward bringing more programs and educational opportunities directly to our community—opportunities that can benefit both our students and adults. Expanding access to postsecondary education locally can help students see more possibilities for their future while also providing adults in our community opportunities to continue their education, gain new skills, or pursue new careers.
Another exciting area of growth is the expansion of UCLC (virtual school), allowing us to serve more students in grades 9–12 as well as more adult learners through virtual education. This expanded opportunity gives students and adults the ability to finish high school and get their diploma. It is another way we can meet learners where they are and provide pathways that fit their individual circumstances, goals, and needs.
While each of these initiatives is important, perhaps the most important opportunity before us is the opportunity to strengthen the partnership between our schools and our community.
Schools do not exist separately from the communities they serve. Our students are the future of this community, and their success is a shared responsibility. When schools, families, local businesses, community organizations, and higher education work together, we can provide students with experiences and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
I am excited about what this school year holds. There is a tremendous amount of positive work happening, and I believe we have an opportunity to build on that momentum. As we move forward, I encourage our community to stay engaged with our schools, ask questions, share ideas, attend activities, and celebrate the accomplishments of our students and staff.
Most importantly, I want every student to know that we believe in you. We want you to be successful, to discover your strengths, to challenge yourself, and to understand that your future is full of possibilities. Success will look different for every student, but our commitment to helping each student find their path will remain the same.
Thank you to our families, staff, community members, and partners for your continued support of our schools. I look forward to working together throughout the coming year as we continue to build stronger schools, stronger partnerships, and a stronger community.
Welcome back, and here’s to a wonderful school year filled with learning, growth, opportunity, and success for all of our students!
Welcome back,
Dr. Joel Applegate - Superintendent
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