by Dr. David Hopson, Superintendent, Gateway School District
I was pleased to see so many supportive parents at Russell’s annual town meeting along with strong public support for next year’s budget. Most importantly were the positive comments from parents and staff regarding our students and schools, which provided a different and positive viewpoint about Gateway from “in the know” people and allowed the public to hear both sides of the issues. Given the many things that parents hear from their children, and what they experience themselves in our schools, it seems that they would have a much better handle on the quality of the schools than people who neither have children in school nor spend time in our schools themselves. Keeping this positive momentum going will help us avoid the turmoil of last year’s budget season (extending well into December) and allow us to focus on doing our very best for our children.
I also appreciate the time many of our school committee members are spending in our schools, and with students and staff, to see firsthand what makes Gateway so special. The combination of these groups and their growing support for quality schools with adequate funding is making a difference in discussions at town meetings as well as in planning for the future.
This past week has again proven that we are developing strong and capable students. Between our students being praised for their positive behavior by staff throughout Disney World, supporting each other to resolve issues as they arise, and interacting with school staff in such a positive manner, I see a group of students ready for the challenges facing them after graduation. Back at home, accolades in the form of scholarships and awards have already begun pouring in for the graduating class, who face a whirlwind of final exams and culminating events: baseball and softball senior nights, Spring Fling, Prom, the Annual Sports Banquet, the Sr. Awards Assembly on June 1 (11:45 a.m.) and graduation on June 3! The final weeks of school for the Class of 2016 is upon us and will probably pass in a blur!
Combined with the colleges and universities they’ve been accepted to, as well as the legacy left behind by our graduates at the school and their accomplishments in their daily lives, this shows yet again that our schools have been, and continue to be, successful in preparing our children for the future.
