Panther Connection

Preparing for back to school is more manageable when students continue to learn over the summer and keep routines in place. It is typical to see a dip in scores in the fall. This is commonly known as the “summer slide.” Taking a long summer break without ways to engage children academically and/or allow them to think critically can cause a setback when they come back to school. Families can take several proactive steps to prevent the summer slide, which refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge during summer break. Making time for activities to stimulate, develop, or maintain their skills can make school more enjoyable and successful when they return. These are easy tips for summer plans. Remember, summer should also be a relaxation, fun, and exploration time. Balance academic and recreational activities to ensure a well-rounded summer experience for your family. Read : Students should read anything that interests them. This can be picture books, chapter books, graphic books,

  I attended the School Superintendents Association (AASA) National Conference on Education (NCE) this past week. Not only was I able to present a couple of sessions (as a panelist in a social media breakout and a co-presenter in a round table discussion on leading while female), I was able to attend several general and breakout sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I focused my learning on school safety, mental health, and additional ways to support our District.  I started the top of this blog post with Alex Boyé's powerful "Bend Not Break" music video, which he performed for several thousand superintendents and district leaders for the first general session. His message was, "Change your words, change your life." He gave tips and actionable ways to help students change conversations about themselves. Alex Boyé shared how he overcame mental, sexual, and physical abuse and homelessness but also spoke to the constant battle he has in a breakout session. He

I can't believe it has been six months since my last post! I started this blog to help the community see the person behind the title and role, so I want to share my personal and professional focus for 2023.  It has been a very busy and exciting year, and I wish everyone a very Happy (and healthy) New Year.  Fresh starts and goal setting are essential to success. As adults, we often set goals to accomplish, especially in January. It's the perfect time to stop procrastinating or to get motivated to attempt something we have wanted to try or do. This year I have resolved to focus on gratitude. I communicated this charge to staff and families before the break and have encouraged others to consider picking a word to focus on for the year. If you are interested, check out the OneWord Challenge and pick a word that can help guide your year. Something is encouraging about fresh starts, which can also be true for our youth. It's essential to reinforce making better choices, setting

In addition to the business office preparing for the audit and the construction crew working on the stadium, you might be surprised at all of the activities, planning, and preparation that go on during the month of July. Our new administration hires have joined the team and are digging into preparation for Back to School. David Quesada is our new Director of Technology and Media Services, coming to us from Berrien Springs Public Schools, and Matt Dodson is our new DeWitt High School Principal, coming to us from Bath Community Schools. We have several more new hires and staff to welcome back in the fall. It has been great to hear the DHS Drumline practicing at their camp this week. I can hear them playing from my office, and it always puts a smile on my face and pride in my heart. It was also amazing to see (on the DeWitt Band's Facebook Page) all of the venues across Europe where our DHS Band entertained tourists and locals. In addition, more and more student-athletes have been sho

  As we close the year, I am looking at my #LeadPositive leadership vision which I communicated during my start here at DeWitt Public Schools.  This poster hangs in my office as a reminder of the leader that I aspire to be, and here are some reflections of my first year as DPS Superintendent as well as some goals for moving forward.  L : I have fallen in love with the proud commitment people have to maximize everyone’s potential. I have learned a great deal and through the support and encouragement of so many people, I have also found time to not only love and learn but laugh as well. Laughter and joy can go a long way in the face of adversity. One of our objectives in the culture and environment goal of our strategic plan is to create a place where people want to come to work and learn. Love and laughter are important components of having a positive environment.  E : I have really worked to empower others as well as support them in empowering others. It is important for us to bui

  DeWitt Public Schools 2022 Strategic Planning Group This past Saturday, about four dozen stakeholders including Board members, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members participated in a strategic planning retreat facilitated by MASB. As part of the steps to this strategic planning process, I worked with key cabinet members to summarize our important work over the last several years, and I presented a " State of the District" update on the progress. This helped the team that was assembled to understand the current goals and progress, so we could determine our plans to move the district forward. As a group, participants reviewed survey data, comparison data, and topics, of finances, personnel, achievement, and more. In addition, we made our way through several discussions and brainstorming protocols to develop a vision (the what our district does), a mission (how we do it), belief statements, and goal areas based on district and community inp