Parents and Staff:I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Board, the staff, the students, the parents, and the community as I transition to my new position with the Illinois Principals Association. My time in Smithton has been personally and professionally rewarding, and certainly has prepared me for the path ahead. The staff at Smithton is second to none, and we have traveled a great journey together toward world class academic excellence! The future is incredibly bright for the District, and I look forward to hearing and reading about the next achievements that are reached. Thank you for taking a chance on me four years ago! I leave behind memories of wonderful times as well as challenging moments that we got through together!
Board Meeting Highlights
The Board of Education approved the 2017-2018 Student handbook as well as the 2017-2018 Athletic/Extracurricular Activities handbook at the July 25, 2017 meeting. Parents/guardians will be provided copies of these handbooks at the start of the school year. Of special note regarding the Student handbook is the inclusion of language, as required by federal law, that clarifies what meal option a student may charge if they owe more than $15 on their lunch account. Our cafeteria staff will continue to notify families when students’ lunch account balances are low and/or when money is owed.
Our student enrollment continues to grow with a confirmed 536 students registered as of July 25. We anticipate additional registrations and estimate that the student population could top 550 before the end of the 2017-2018 school year. This represents nearly 10% growth since 2013!
Personnel
The Board of Education approved the employment of Dr. Ryan Wamser as superintendent effective August 1, 2017. My last day at school will be Wednesday, August 2, to allow Dr. Wamser and I to spend two days reviewing information that will help his transition into his new role at Smithton. He will be on hand to welcome staff and students as the school year begins! Attached to this letter is a press release that has been sent to the Freeburg Tribune regarding Dr. Wamser. I think you will enjoy reading his quotes and learning about his background as he begins his time here at Smithton!
The Board approved Nathan Cross as a voluntary softball coach and Chris Smith as a voluntary baseball coach for the 2017-2018 school year. The Board also approved the transfer of Courtney Forsyth from special education paraprofessional to Title 1 paraprofessional. Courtney will work directly with our RtI/Title teachers Terri Fox and Jen Hoover. Charlotte Shaver and Janee Jackson were approved as new special education paraprofessionals for the 2017-2018 school year.
I wish Smithton School the very best in the years ahead! I look forward to hearing about the next leg of the school’s journey and am confident Dr. Wamser is the right leader to continue to move the District forward!
Ever Forward!
Sue Homes
Board Meeting Highlights
The Board of Education approved the 2017-2018 Student handbook as well as the 2017-2018 Athletic/Extracurricular Activities handbook at the July 25, 2017 meeting. Parents/guardians will be provided copies of these handbooks at the start of the school year. Of special note regarding the Student handbook is the inclusion of language, as required by federal law, that clarifies what meal option a student may charge if they owe more than $15 on their lunch account. Our cafeteria staff will continue to notify families when students’ lunch account balances are low and/or when money is owed.
Our student enrollment continues to grow with a confirmed 536 students registered as of July 25. We anticipate additional registrations and estimate that the student population could top 550 before the end of the 2017-2018 school year. This represents nearly 10% growth since 2013!
Personnel
The Board of Education approved the employment of Dr. Ryan Wamser as superintendent effective August 1, 2017. My last day at school will be Wednesday, August 2, to allow Dr. Wamser and I to spend two days reviewing information that will help his transition into his new role at Smithton. He will be on hand to welcome staff and students as the school year begins! Attached to this letter is a press release that has been sent to the Freeburg Tribune regarding Dr. Wamser. I think you will enjoy reading his quotes and learning about his background as he begins his time here at Smithton!
The Board approved Nathan Cross as a voluntary softball coach and Chris Smith as a voluntary baseball coach for the 2017-2018 school year. The Board also approved the transfer of Courtney Forsyth from special education paraprofessional to Title 1 paraprofessional. Courtney will work directly with our RtI/Title teachers Terri Fox and Jen Hoover. Charlotte Shaver and Janee Jackson were approved as new special education paraprofessionals for the 2017-2018 school year.
I wish Smithton School the very best in the years ahead! I look forward to hearing about the next leg of the school’s journey and am confident Dr. Wamser is the right leader to continue to move the District forward!
Ever Forward!
Sue Homes
