Your Involvement is Important

Last Tuesday we had to contend with winter weather. Thankfully this year hasn't been all too bad considering the historical record. I have to admit that I was sweating it a little bit. It wasn't even 5 minutes past my announcement that we would stick with the late start when the conditions began to deteriorate. Our buses were on the road; so absent turning them around we were at the point of no return. I knew the next hour was going to be stressful as the buses ran their routes and students (in particular our young drivers) made their way to school. I was waiting for the buses when they returned to school with the kids and all reported that conditions were fine. It turned out to be a very good week at Hudson Schools. But not for that reason alone. 

On Wednesday evening we hosted our second meeting of the high school task force. This cross section of community members have been gathering to discuss a possible renovation of the high school that, if moved forward will likely result in a referendum. If you recall, it was very cold that evening. (It was also very cold the evening of our first meeting.) Based on what happens in most communities, our consultants expected a much lower turnout at the second meeting. That didn't happen this time. In fact, we picked up a few people this time around. 

Then on Thursday I spent the day in Des Moines (a story for another day) and had to drive home in a snowstorm. If I didn't have a different meeting to get back for that evening, I may have considered staying in Des Moines. We were scheduled to meet with parents at 6:30 to unveil our plan for the early childhood expansion next year. It was important I make it back in time. With the weather, I anticipated a pretty small crowd. But it wasn't to be. Kind of like the high school meeting, we had even better attendance than we had during the fall meeting. 

What these two meetings showed me was that we have a very high level of community engagement and folks that are willing to give the gift of time. To provide input. To seek understanding. As we consider our future as a school district, I am thankful that we have this level of engagement from our parents and our community members. It is not like this in many parts of our nation (or even our state). Indeed it is often disappointing when I turn on the evening news and see reports of a great deal of negativity in schools. Board meetings packed with people angry about a decision that has been made, a book that is being taught, or a curriculum that is up for adoption. We are certainly far from perfect, but I am grateful for the level of pride you all have in your schools, and the trust you put in your child's teacher to provide them with the very best educational experience they can expect in the Cedar Valley. Hopefully you always feel like you are able to ask questions and, even if you don't always agree at the very least understand.

I want to encourage your continued involvement and have another very special request. Next week is parent teacher conferences. There really is no better opportunity to engage one on one with your child's teacher to discuss the most important people in your lives. You have the opportunity to understand what is going on in the classroom by asking questions and getting a very up to date and timely report on the academic progress of your kids. And our teachers have the opportunity to learn more from you about your child. 

We are wrapping up the third quarter this week. Once we return from spring break, it is going to be a sprint to the finish line. This may well be your final opportunity to visit with your child's teacher. Whether you are participating in a task force or a parent teacher conference, your involvement is important.