Sometimes, the students say it best

We are well into our new school year and this is a time when I would usually blog about our opening day and how many great things are going on in our schools. But instead I thought I would let the recent editorial from our Junior- Senior High School newspaper, The Watervliet Chronicle, speak for me.

“The attendance rate is up. Disciplinary referrals are down. Students are smiling. Teachers are smiling. Principals are smiling. Wait, now I know something weird is going on!

Change is all around us. Most obvious is the construction project. But does anyone else notice the change in attitude? Are we all just in a better mood this year? All of a sudden it seems like much of the drama that we faced last year has been washed away. After asking several students about this phenomenon, I’ve come to a few conclusions:

• First, many are excited about the new “stuff” we have this year. And that excitement will continue with the opening of the new gym this winter.
  
• Secondly, and probably more importantly, many students want to be successful. Sure, there are some who are apathetic or who spend their time counting the minutes until the bell rings, but most of the students I asked said that they have made their education a priority.
  

I encourage all students to make school success a goal. One of the biggest obstacles we face is believing we can do well. If you are struggling in a class, ask for help. Your teachers want you to be successful. Just think of how much easier it will be to walk into this building every morning if you know that you will do your very best.”

I think that our student editor said it best. I look forward to continuing this momentum throughout the entire school year!