As the leaves change and the school year settles in, there are countless good things happening in our schools and communities.

In fact, just this month, we received exciting news that USD 327 was recognized for outstanding civic engagement by the Kansas State Department of Education. Winning a Civic Advocacy Network award is a bright reflection of the work that happens in our school district each day. This speaks directly to the emphasis we are placing on Strategic Theme #2, Support Exploration & Engagement Opportunities, and Strategic Theme #3, Connect With Family & Community.

From our Bearcats Give Back program, helping individuals in need, Games with Gramps at the local Good Samaritan Home sponsored by our FFA, to the Take and Bakes available for the community atlarge thanks to our FFCLA program, just to name a few, we all gain when our schools and community work together.

We also are getting close to having a new audiovisual system installed in our Performing Arts Center at Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School, thanks to generous grants from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation and Stumps Foundation. This is a true community collaboration that will benefit students, staff, families and the community. I can’t wait to see the high school musical production of “Alice in Wonderland” in November, with opportunity to use our new equipment.

Shortly after these upgrades to the Performing Arts Center, we will welcome the BeAlert Stop Trafficking Project, a special two-day event for USD 327 families. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, parents and community members are invited to learn about the risks young people face and learn strategies to help keep them safe. The evening session will include adult content that is not appropriate for children. You are all invited to an Ellsworth County Resource Fair sponsored by the Because We Care coalition before the program begins.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, our students will learn things they should do to stay safe online. The school-day assemblies will be age appropriate, grouped by ages kindergarten to second grade, third through fifth, sixth through eighth and ninth through 12th grades.

And of course, it wouldn’t be fall without the traditions of our back-to-school pep rally, Friday night lights and, of course, Homecoming week. Our students’ seasons are off to a great start, whether on the field, the court or the running trail! It takes the investment of coaches and families to help students succeed, and I look forward to a lot of success and personal records as the fall season continues.

Finally, I want to use this opportunity to recognize some important changes that have taken place in our schools over the past several weeks — and thank everyone who has played a role in their success.

• Sheila Shaffer is off to a great start as the new Ellsworth Elementary School principal. Thanks to the families and staff who have shown her a warm Bearcub welcome and helped her settle in.

• The new handbook policy on student cell phone use is going smoothly, thanks to a big team effort. I continue to hear from staff and students who report that this change has brought positive results during the school day. We also owe a big thanks to families who have helped their students adjust to new expectations.

• The mulch and turf at EES are in place and being enjoyed from sunup to sundown. This was purchased with the help of a KDHE grant, and it has greatly improved this popular space for play and recreation.

• Our teachers, from kindergarten through high school, are working hard to embrace high-impact instructional practices and strategies based on the research of John Hattie. This approach in classrooms is shown to result in the best opportunity for students to learn and, ultimately, increase academic gains.

All-in-all, this time of year is always exciting. Students have eased into routines and procedures and learning becomes our focus. I am so proud of the work happening across our district day-in and day-out. Thank you for being part of our success. We are better together!