When the calendar flips over from December to January it is tradition to look back at the year that just ended and reflect on those events and milestones that are memorable and shaped the year that has just ended. I'm sure you have watched as local television stations and network broadcasters have had their annual 'Best of' specials to round out the year. Frankly, it seems a bit out of sync to do so in a school since the turning of the calendar page really only marks the midpoint in our journey. Nevertheless, in the spirit of the holiday season that just ended, I'll share what I believe to be the key moments in 2022. If you have a different highlight, please drop me an email and I'll share it in an upcoming article (I'm always looking for content!) I only ask that you keep your key moments reflective of school related events!
In January of 2022 we convened a task force comprised of community members, city leaders, employees, and school board members to consider a possible renovation and addition to the high school. The weather that evening was very similar to what the weather is right now: cold! Over the course of several months, they listened, provided input, and asked questions. That work led to a recommendation and petition to the school board to call for a special election. Over the course of the summer and early fall this task force held community meetings, visited with neighbors, and advocated for their school. On Election Day, they called those same friends and neighbors and encouraged them to show up at the polls and make sure their voices and opinions, no matter what they might be: were heard. Their hard work and perseverance paid off because on September 13th, voters approved an $11.65 million referendum. The task force committed to this project over a nine month period and put in the hard work to do something that hasn't been done in Hudson for twenty years. And they did it on the first try. Perhaps that is the highlight of 2022?
Certainly no one would point to the two week span from April 18-29th as a highlight of 2022 would they? Probably not. But there is no mistaking this as an important milestone in the year. It is the window where we completed the ISASP statewide testing. Perhaps not a highlight, but no doubt an indicator of student success and one to be celebrated. These statewide assessments are the primary instrument used to determine school rankings in the state. And once again our schools performed very, very well.
I think most would agree a definite highlight of 2022 came on May 22nd when 46 Hudson High School seniors graduated! That day we honored a class that posted an average GPA of 3.57 and boasted 10 valedictorians. In my final remarks to the class I advised them of the challenges that will lie ahead and the obstacles they would face. At the same time I reminded them that they had been well prepared with the ability to meet those challenges and move the mountains that would stand in their way. I can't wait to see what they become!
Always worthy of celebration, school started on August 23rd and our opening day enrollment numbers suggested growth of 64 students when compared to the first day enrollment numbers from 2021-2022, and an increase of 135 when compared to first day enrollment numbers from 2020-2021. At the same time, the number of teachers we employed has increased steadily over the last couple of years. This year we were excited to welcome 7 new faculty to our ranks with varying degrees of experience and expertise.
I look forward to hearing from you what stands out in our school about 2022! Happy New Year!
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