Another year coming to a close

School ends next week and it has been another remarkable year at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS). I am always amazed at the enthusiasm of staff and families to make the school year as successful as possible.

This year brought unique challenges to the district in the form of a school closure and a new schedule, a four-day school week. In both areas I have seen great success in transition.

Closing Main Street School was made possible by a realignment that saw kindergarten and first grade students at Sunrise River for the first time and the return of fifth grade to North Branch Area Middle School, among other changes. There was much moving last summer and, of course, concern about how these changes would impact students. But these transitions were handled remarkably smoothly; a testament to the care staff put into making it successful and the partnership of families who want to see education thrive at NBAPS.

The four-day week was also a significant change, but no less successful. We continue to improve the schedule in ways that work for families, and it is again that partnership and the dedication of staff that are key to the successful transition.

I have spoken with many who enjoy the extra family time. We also know that some still face challenges adjusting and we want to help in any way we can. Make no mistake, the four-day week is here because our community demands that we find “outside the box” solutions to saving money and we will demonstrate this summer that it is accomplishing just that.

So, thank you to staff at NBAPS, and to all our families as well. You have made the 2010-11 school year one we can look back on with pride. Thank you also to the community that supports our district. We are proud to be your partner in creating a bright future for generations of students.

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