The start of a new school year is always a special time filled with eager anticipation, nervous energy, and the hope and promise of new opportunities. I am extremely proud of the way our students and staff have returned with such focus and enthusiasm. There seems to be a common feeling in the air that we are beginning this new year with a strong sense of confidence and assurance that good things are in store.

While this year has begun with some changes, including district-wide rezoning to level out our student population, it appears that we are well-prepared and have adapted seamlessly. While transitions of this kind can be complex, I am encouraged by the way our students, families, and staff have embraced the changes.

Thanks to careful planning, open collaboration, and early notification, all our schools have started the year smoothly. These adjustments will support more balanced classrooms and campuses, creating even better learning environments for all students.

We also launched our updated cell phone policy this year. We recognize that sweeping changes like this, reversing the way we’ve operated previously, may require a period of adjustment and that both parents and students have become accustomed to instantaneous dialogue.

However, this is not merely a school policy, but has been legislated as law, meaning that it is not optional, and we are already seeing encouraging results. Students have been more focused in classrooms, more engaged with instruction than ever before, while building stronger connections with their peers and creating a more positive culture of learning.

As we celebrate the successful start to the new school year, I’d also like to acknowledge the important work happening at the district’s governance level to ensure our stability, including identifying a strong new leader for our district. The Board of Trustees has hired Thompson & Horton, a top-tier educational search firm, to assist in the search for our next Superintendent of Schools.

The school board will work in tandem with this respected group to ensure a thorough and community-inclusive process that reflects the values of our school community, continuing our tradition of excellence while developing the whole child.

Moving forward, I want to encourage our students to remain hungry for learning, our staff to remain focused on their why, and our families to step into a more connected and engaging relationship with our campuses. I am confident that this year will bring many achievements and lasting memories for our Giant community. Our GIANT future begins with you!

Dr. Randal O’Brien

Superintendent of Schools