Superintendent

From Superintendent Dr. Johnny Scott, 9th Edition: How quickly it seems the 2009-10 school year has drawn to a close, and summer is upon us.  This school year has been full of excitement and more.  I’m pleased to report that on many occasions I observed our students and staff involved in various academic and nonacademic activities that made my vision of -- every student, everyday experiencing success in our schools, in some way -- a reality.  I recall sitting with elementary students Jacob and Amanda as they worked on reading development.  Jacob was reading the book Creepy Creatures and Amanda was reading If Wishes Were Horses.  I also warmly recall the Big History Lesson that Mrs. Tribell and Mrs. Davis’ classes experienced at the Michigan Historical Museum.  Students Brittney, Jason, and Felicia, along with others, studied the voyageurs, immigrants, Civil War soldiers, Civil War quilting, miners and shanty boys (lumbering).  Returning to Dimondale Elementary School, the students then put on a production that chronicled their learning of Michigan history, making history come alive while using pictures as the backdrop.  It was exciting to be included in these two separate activities, and watch as students made sense out of what they had observed and learned.   I’m also proud of the many student events that occurred outside of the regular classroom environment.  Athletically, our teams continued to be successful.  Football, wrestling, boys and girls basketball, girls bowling, weight lifting, baseball, softball, lacrosse, boys and girls swimming all had outstanding seasons.  I recall so poignantly how I felt watching television coverage of events and hearing how our students competed.  A quick glance at our Fine Arts Calendar would highlight to anyone the many talents of our students as you read about Choir and Band Festivals, along with musical and theater productions.  There is no doubt that all these young people represented themselves, their families, Holt High School, and our communities in an exemplary manner. What was clear to me at every event and activity was the focus on working together, supporting each other, and each student’s commitment to excellence – a hallmark of Holt Public Schools and a tribute to every family.   I’m proud to be a Holt RAM.   With many of the current news headlines noting unpleasant school situations, I want to reassure you that the vast majority of the students within our school system are good citizens, work hard, and are genuinely concerned about the betterment of the Holt and Dimondale communities.  I know that as a community, it is parents and families that have contributed so much to make possible what our schools have accomplished.  Thank you for all you do for the children of Holt Public Schools and, on behalf of the Board of Education, we look forward to your continued support.   Have a relaxing summer and, in the words of Coach Slamer “…it’s a good day to be a Holt RAM!”     With warm regards,