It is always an interesting feeling to wrap up a school year. You can feel the excitement of our students as they look forward to the summer break. I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer. To our graduates, I wish a lifetime of success and happiness. To our returning students, enjoy your summer, and we look forward to your return in August.

At last night’s Junior High Athletic Banquet, Mr. Johnson discussed that success requires effort. In sports, sometimes we win and win big. Sometimes we lose; however, it is important for athletes to continue to try, to stay focused, and to never give up. That same belief can be said for academics. If a student stumbles, please encourage that student to continue to try and to stay focused. These lessons learned at school and through athletics can be applied to life.

Through the combined effort of our staff, faculty, administration, parents, students, and community, we have had a successful year. I am very pleased with the progress we made this year and continue to believe that great things are ahead for our district. I appreciate the “team” effort that was evidenced by all members of our academic community to promote the concept that we should “continuously improve the education of our students.”

During our Annual Strategic Action Planning Board Retreat held last month, I was encouraged by the effort of so many staff and community members to provide ideas on how to improve our schools. This effort began through the completion of a community survey that provided ample information for the participants. At the board retreat, the participants analyzed the Strategic Action Plan-On-A-Page and made suggestions for the future. In my opinion, the highlight of the retreat was the updating of the district’s “Statement of Beliefs.” This was adopted at the board meeting on May 12 and is included below:

Argenta-Oreana CUSD #1 is based on the beliefs that:

• Every student has value and deserves the opportunity to learn through a quality education;
• A safe and caring environment maximizes learning;
• We believe the foundation for life-long learning is a responsibility shared by family, community, and school;
• High Expectations foster higher achievement for all.
We plan to have the results of the district survey posted on the district website soon.

Thanks again to our educational community for a great year.

E-mail Damian D. Jones, Sr.
Superintendent
Phone: 795-2313