Welcome back everyone!

After a hiatus for the summer, here is the first School News column of the 2012-13 school year:

Come on a Patron Tour

Another school year is upon us and, judging by open houses, we are more than ready! Staff were brimming with enthusiasm, buildings were gleaming, and students were excited about the future.

You may be wondering what there is to be so excited about. Well, why not come and find out?

Last year we implemented Patron Tours and they were a huge success. A success not just for those who took four hours out of their busy lives to see what it is we do here at North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS), but for the staff and students who are so proud of the education here at NBAPS as well.

The tours start with a chance to talk with me about anything (and I mean anything) before we embark on a tour of our facilities. You will get a first-hand look at education at NBAPS from early childhood through high school. Included are classroom visits, a chance to talk with students and principals, and a wonderful lunch provided by Taher.

You might think that these tours are a chance for school district supporters and employees to get together and agree on everything, but I think the tours have been most successful with those a bit skeptical of our mission and performance.

I believe a large part of the criticism we sometimes face is from those who don’t have a true understanding of what we do and how we do it. I have heard more than once the phrase, “I had no idea...” from tour attendees who realized for the first time the scale of what we are expected to do, and the impressive way we meet challenges.

This year’s Patron Tours are scheduled for Oct. 12, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, April 26, and May 31. All are Friday tours. I strongly encourage you to consider joining us for one. If you would like to attend, call Community Relations Coordinator Patrick Tepoorten at 651-674-1018.

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