Superintendent’s Notes

“School News” is a weekly column written by Superintendent Daniel Bittman and featured in the Sauk Rapids Herald. This column offers a personal communication to the community, district staff, students and others who have an interest in the Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. This column provides a wide variety of information and news including recognition of outstanding work and programs, what’s happening with our students and lifelong lessons for the whole community.

For publication in the SAUK RAPIDS HERALD the week of 01.30.12

SCHOOL NEWS
by Daniel Bittman

Parental and Community Support Make District Unique

My family came to the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District after much thought and deliberation.  We compared schools, communities, and school districts before making a decision.  We often asked each other what made each district special and what district would best meet the needs of our three children.

Sauk Rapids-Rice is special in many ways, which is why we have decided to raise our children here and to have them attend schools in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District.  Quality academic programming, strong community involvement, amazing staff, and a nurturing environment where everybody looks out for each other are important, yet visible factors.  Recently, we have spent time reflecting on our decision and could not be happier.

We noticed more than 100 parents, retired staff, and community members actively involved in various school activities at each elementary building, which included Fermi Math, Activity Day, Watch Dogs, and Cabin Fever.  We noticed parents volunteering in classrooms at Hillside and the Middle School, individuals cheering for their children (and others) at various events at the High School, people making their way through blizzard-like conditions to attend conferences or other school events, and people of all ages participating in various Community Education classes.  We noticed parents supporting our students and families in crisis, and stakeholders working with staff to find solutions to difficult situations.

When thinking about what makes our school district special, it is not hard to notice the importance of our parents and community members.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate, educate, and engage our students.  Your commitment and passion make all of us better.  We appreciate you and look forward to our continued partnership.

Thank you.

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