Sunday, November 20, 2016

It’s beginning to look a lot like….


It’s beginning to look a lot like….

Spring?? The fall weather has been so mild—almost spring-like—that our recently finished multi-purpose field is already sporting a great showing of young grass.  This encourages us to believe that we will be able to use this field in the fall of 2017.   While last year was one of the mildest winters on record for our area with negligible snow, we all know that the weather can change quickly and unpredictably in Pennsylvania.  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 reiterate that the usual protocol applies: if we have not called a delay/cancellation by 5:30 AM, it is too late to get the word out and schools will open at the usual time. Speaking from my own perspective, 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 gear up for the Big Holiday.  In education, November is also the month in which we celebrate American Education Week (November 14-18).  All buildings held a variety of activities to celebrate the week, inviting parents and community members to experience showcased artwork, their children’s classrooms, and other salutes to our educational process. American Education week is a great opportunity to bring in the community and see what our district is about.

Speaking of successes, our Scholastic Quiz team placed second overall during this week’s competition.  Our high school play, Thoroughly Modern Millie, which began on November 17 and runs thru November 20, is another great production through which the community can see the amazing talents of CCSD students.   Sports-wise, winter sports are now in full swing as our swim teams, basketball teams and wrestlers begin their season.  One of our senior wrestlers, Max Murin, recently signed his national letter of intent for the Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling program.  Max’s high school record is 115-5.  Aside from his athletic prowess, he is a good student and all around great person.

Our Student Information System now includes our cafeteria in Skyward; it appears to be working well.  At CCSD, we constantly look for better and more improved ways to keep the lines of communication open to our stakeholders.  Using Skyward to check on grades, attendance, global calls, transportation, special education, nursing services and now cafeteria accounts, allows parents to maintain real time information about their child/ren.

Okay, as I write this, I am being treated to a lovely snow squall. Maybe it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. With this in mind, 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 in earnest,
Dr. D.