Almost Spring like

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Almost spring like…

The calendar shows that we are edging closer to the winter solstice, but my ride to work lately has been anything but Fall-like (have I mentioned recently how pleasant the drive is at this time of year?).  It has almost looked and felt like Spring might be around the corner with warm—but strong—breezes and lots of sunshine. Last year at this time we had several days that were snowy and slick with very cold temperatures. Let’s enjoy these days while we can, keeping shovels and plows out of sight for a while longer. 

Even as the weather makes it easy to ignore the inevitable, I want to take advantage of this blog to reiterate that, as always, this rule of thumb applies: if we have not called a delay/cancellation by 5:30 AM, it is too late to get the word out. Making the right call can be most stressful for PA superintendents. As I continue to emphasize to parents, staff, Board members and, most importantly to students, the safety and welfare of all are paramount; decisions are always based on safety.

November is a time when most people, when asked what is a turkey, would name it as a Thanksgiving staple. Personally, I am at this point thinking that the biggest turkeys are stationed in Harrisburg! November—a third of the way through a school year—should not be a time when educators are still wondering how much state money we will receive for the current school year – but we are!  It has taken more than five months for PA lawmakers to agree on broad concepts for the State’s long-overdue budget.  However, according to most recent reports, the bigger obstacle may be hammering out the details.  Under the tentative plan, the state will add $350 million to its basic education funding allocation this year – and $50 million more for special education.  What has not been decided is how the money will be parceled out. Even these recent developments give me only a modicum of hope that this budget debacle will be resolved in the “near” future. It’s disconcerting to know that, while budgets are set on an annual basis, Pennsylvania’s oft-extended process makes budget talks for 2016 begin almost immediately after the ink dries on the 2015 resolution.

Being prepared and vigilant is one of the best methods to ensure the safety of all students and staff. To this end we have recently upgraded/replaced many of the aging security cameras in all buildings.  The new cameras are in HD, are very clear to see, and are accessible from an iPad or smart phone anywhere, even off campus. On the subject of safety measures, times have certainly changed since the days when a fire drill was the only practice needed to ensure safety in a school. Now, in conjunction with staff members participating in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training, each building’s students practice shelter in place, lockdowns, evacuations—and fire drills. 

It is hard to believe that we are well into the second marking period.  We have worked through many of the bumps and blips with our new Student Information System, Skyward, to send home report cards and to make global announcements.  The new system is responsible for improved services and the quick turnaround we are now experiencing with grades, attendance, progress reports, nursing services and student history, and other similar reporting tasks. 

What would happen if, during this holiday season, we are able to remember all good things about ourselves and each other, and develop deliberate amnesia about all the rest…? Throughout the holidays, let’s take time to give thanks for and share our blessings and good fortune. I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.  Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season, and be the person that makes you proud. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts,

Dr. D.