Monday, June 18, 2012

Practice

Have you seen children in the neighborhood throwing, shooting, hitting or kicking a ball, shooting a puck or running? Have you heard a child practicing his/her musical instrument?  If you are at all like me, you will see and hear those things on a regular basis all summer long. 

However, it's equally important to see those same kids reading a book, writing, (perhaps an actual letter to a grandparent who does not text or use Facebook) or learning some history while traveling this summer. 

Our children practice their skills all summer in an effort to improve their performance for the upcoming school year. While they enjoy some much needed time off, make a concerted effort to see to it that they spend some time practicing their academic skills this summer too!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Congratulations Class of 2012!

This past Sunday I had the honor of attending the commencement ceremony for the Saline High School class of 2012. Watching the young men and women parade across the stage as their names were read caused me to reflect upon my own graduation from Saline High School, and perhaps more importantly, upon my daughter's upcoming graduation from Saline High School in 2013.

Much will have changed in the years between my graduation and my daughters. A new high school has been opened and our "old" high school is now home to students in grades 6-8. Historic Union School no longer houses students, rather it was sold and is now home to a business. Jensen Elementary has been torn down and replaced by Pleasant Ridge, Houghton Elementary now sits vacant and the district has 3 other beautiful elementary schools in Harvest, Heritage and Woodland Meadows. Indeed much has changed. 

While new buildings have replaced older ones, much remains the same.  The same quality education I received many years ago is still available to our students today. The community remains committed to providing our children with a world-class education that will prepare them for the global society they will become a part of upon graduation. Our teachers and administrators continue to challenge our students, providing instruction in math, English, science, social studies, fine arts and physical education. They also teach our students life lessons that will enable them to become good citizens in Saline and beyond. 

The class of 2012 has left their mark and joined the long line of graduating classes that have come before them. They have contributed to the rich legacy of academic and extra-curricular successes that have defined Saline High School for decades. They now join a proud new group - Saline High School alumni. Welcome Class of 2012!