Volunteer Opportunities Abound

Last weekend I was headed over to my office and as I crossed the highway I noticed a truck and flatbed trailer parked by the shot put area. I immediately thought it had something to do with fall lawn care until I noticed a couple of guys on a cherry picker under the scoreboard. It appeared they were working on the platform that was going to be used to support the new PA system at the football stadium. Volunteers.

Even though we have somewhere in the vicinity of 140 employees on staff, the fact of the matter is we couldn't do what we do without our volunteer network. That project described above? Not only are volunteers providing all the labor, they also raised the money to purchase the new system. Another real interesting fact about this: some of the volunteers that are working on the project don't even have kids in school anymore! It goes to show there is a lot of community and school pride here in Hudson! 

Our volunteers do so much for the school district! The athletic boosters sponsor multiple events throughout the school year and raise funds for our student uniforms and other special projects (such as the new PA system). They run the shot clock and announce at basketball games, provide labor for projects, and serve important leadership positions. We have an active and vibrant music booster organization that does much of the same, recently announcing a capital campaign to raise funds for some much needed equipment for the auditorium They provide meals and snacks for our student performers during long rehearsals and even volunteer to help build costumes, and lend their expertise on a whole host of projects in our fine arts department. Then there is the PTO, a group that focuses their efforts on the elementary school. Providing meals during conferences, purchasing special items for classroom teachers, and raising thousands of dollars to fund their endeavors. 

The Hudson Education Fund (HEF) is charged with running the scholarship endowment, awarding thousands of dollars annually in scholarships for seniors to apply toward their post secondary aspirations. The Hudson Board of Education, also an organization made up of volunteers (they are elected, but they certainly don't get paid) who serve as the governance body of the school corporation, managing a multi-million dollar budget annually. Recently, we asked for a large group of volunteers to sit on a task force as we considered the future of our high school. The results of that work yielding a successful referendum this past September. 

While it is entirely possible I am forgetting to mention one of our volunteer groups, I can't forget to mention the multitude of parent volunteers who assist in numerous ways around our school. Perhaps a teacher needs help with a special project. They know just who to ask. When they do, you answer the bell. 

The bottom line is that we couldn't do it without you. Thank you to all our volunteers!

Happy Special Education Day

On this special education day where we recognize the efforts and dedication of our teachers who work with these students, I think it is important to underscore and remind everyone that public schools are in fact for everyone. One of the bedrock principles of public schools is the idea that all children are entitled to what is referred to as FAPE: a Free and Appropriate Public Education for all students. Governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), this law embodies the hope and promise of educating all students regardless of disability or learning difficulty.

Very soon the legislative session will begin. Like last year, I anticipate proposals will be discussed to introduce voucher type programs into the state. The litany of reasons these schemes are bad for our educational system are numerous. But with today's spotlight on special education, I think it worth pointing out that private schools who would stand to benefit from vouchers are under no obligation to follow the law as it pertains to students with special needs. In fact, they can (and do) quite simply deny enrollment to students with special needs. 

Denying educational access is the antithesis of our charge as a public school system. We embrace our responsibility to provide access to all our students. In fact, it is a motto we live by in Hudson with our Core Purpose: We create effective learning environments that result in success for all students. Emphasis on all. 

Please join me in thanking all special education teachers for the hard work they put in each day to serve their students. We appreciate everything you do to ensure our students benefit from the high quality educational experience they need and deserve. You are appreciated!