As first quarter is well underway, this is a time when relationships between students, teachers and staff are really taking shape. From the playground to the classroom to the ball field, it’s rewarding to see new friendships and trusting bonds develop between students, teachers, bus drivers and so many others. Once the school year begins, it doesn’t take long for new opportunities to begin popping up. Some are as simple as a generous donation of water from the local Sonic restaurant during that sweltering week of school in mid-August. We also recently received big news of a grant for our school district’s career and technical education programs. I truly can’t wait to see how many ways our high school students will grow in the months and years to come, thanks to a $101,900 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.

Another thing I love about this time of year is the opportunity for educators and families to forge partnerships to support every student’s learning. It’s incredible to see what’s possible when teachers and families work together. Parent-teacher conferences play an important role in this relationship. I want to thank every family who made time to attend conferences this month, and I applaud the things our teachers and staff did to make them a positive, welcoming experience for everyone.

Speaking of teachers, I continue to be impressed by the people who have been great new additions to our team. At Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, we have finally been able to hire separate teachers for band and choir and the short-term results are inspiring! Enrollment is now growing in both programs, which means more students are enjoying the benefits of music education. I can’t wait to hear our students perform throughout the coming year, and I hope you’ll join me in the audience.

I’ve also loved watching the growth of our family and consumer sciences (FACS) program. Not only is Mrs. Burger teaching our students great life skills, from pickling and canning to baking and working with seasonal produce, she is also in the process of starting a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student chapter to support student leadership development.

There is no doubt that great things are happening in our classrooms, from kindergarten through high school. Our facilities are also looking great with additional repairs and improvements to come thanks to our board’s strategic focus on aligning resources with facilities and infrastructure.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is proud to attend a Bearcat football game on a home field that is really looking nice. Thank you again to the expert help from Patrick Hammel from the Ellsworth Municipal Golf Course. It’s also nice to see the new gym windows finally complete in the Kanopolis Middle School gym, funded through a facilities grant. New window blinds will be installed in the elementary cafeteria as well as in the ag building and gym at EJSHS very soon too. Last, but not least, the new tennis shelter at the high school is a great addition for our student athletes.

One of my personal highlights from the first few weeks of school was an invitation to speak at the National Honor Society induction ceremony in September. I was proud to see the 14 new members inducted into NHS, and I shared a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire. To me, this poem helps capture the magic that is teaching and learning, as well as the courage it takes to grow.

“Come to the edge,” he said.

“We can’t, we’re afraid!” they responded. “Come to the edge,” he said.

“We can’t, We will fall!” they responded. “Come to the edge,” he said.

And so they came.

And he pushed them.

And they flew.”

— Guillaume Apollinaire I’ll close by thanking each person who helps this magic happen in Ellsworth, Kanopolis and Geneseo.

The adults at school and at home. The mentors and coaches. The parents, grandparents and caregivers.

The people who give high fives and speak encouragement to students at every age and stage. To each of you, I thank you, and so do our students.

Let’s Grow.

Deena Hilbig is the superintendent of USD 327. She can be reached at (785) 472-5561.