Dear Panther Families,

Happy New Year!

As we welcome 2026, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and the continued growth of our students. With the start of the second semester, students have a fresh opportunity to refocus on academics and deepen their engagement in learning. As we return from the holiday break, our continued priorities remain academic achievement, student growth, and improved attendance.

In 2025, we made great progress on our goals. Student assessment scores showed significant improvement, most assessments increased by double-digits. Additionally, chronic absenteeism was reduced by 2.8 %. Daily attendance continues to be a key focus across our district, as being present directly impacts learning, growth, and achievement. Thanks to the collective efforts of our students, staff, and families we have seen increased student participation, which has contributed to strong academic gains across grade levels. These improvements highlight the importance of showing up, staying engaged, and prioritizing learning.

Engagement in education goes beyond attendance alone. We encourage students to take an active role in their learning by remaining curious, asking questions, participating in class, and challenging themselves academically.

In 2025, we also implemented a districtwide phone-free policy for all students. We have received a lot of positive feedback about increased student engagement, stronger peer interactions, and improved focus in the classroom. We believe this policy will continue to support future academic success.

Student health and safety remain essential to our success. As we begin the new year, staff will continue reinforcing our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) expectations to promote positive behavior and responsible engagement. These efforts help ensure our schools remain safe, welcoming environments where students can focus on learning and growth.

As we move forward in 2026, we encourage every student to set a personal academic goal and commit to active participation in our school community. We look forward to continued collaboration among students, staff, families, and community members as we build a strong foundation for success.

We wish everyone a year filled with growth, achievement, and opportunity. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful new year!

Sincerely,

Brian Friddle
Superintendent of Schools