Dear EM-S ISD Parents, Students, and Community,

On Monday we will begin a new school year! No other day truly equates to the first day of school. The new pencils, crayons, notebooks, and backpacks have all been bought. Those shiny, new sandals and latest style tennis shoes are ready for wear. My children, like over 17,000 other boys and girls, will fill our schools with excitement and exhilaration! While some parents will bring their children to the school for the first time, others will watch their seniors drive away for their last year of high school. Regardless the experience each parent will have, they are sending their child to us to ensure he or she receives a high-quality education. We are committed to the success of every child.

This rich tradition of excellence began in 1892 when Saginaw Elementary School was built. Fifty-one years ago, Boswell High School opened its doors and the district had a total enrollment of 886 in grades K-12. Today, as we open our third high school, Chisholm Trail High School will welcome over 900 lead rangers. Rangers Ride!

Each year brings great opportunities, and this year is no exception. For every new pair of sneakers and every pair of new sandals that walk through our doors, we must maintain a clear, focused vision. The newly approved Aspire 2022 strategic plan provides a road map for our district to help us fulfill our mission to foster a culture of excellence that instills a passion for a lifetime of continuous achievement in every student.

To accomplish this monumental undertaking, we have realigned our curricular, instructional, and assessment services to maximize their benefit to our students and their teachers. We have added wireless networks to Boswell High School and Saginaw High School to support a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept. We have also initiated professional learning communities (PLCs) within our schools and district to provide an environment for staff to develop their knowledge and collaborate to share their learning and focus on our core work of providing engaging work and learning opportunities for each of our students.

With an understanding of the importance and value of the education we provide for every smiling face that walk in our doors on Monday, we are resolved to explore every avenue as we face significant funding reductions from the state. Last year, we received 8.5 million less in funding and 1.5 million less this year. We have adjusted the way we do business, but we have been fortunate to protect the classroom as much as possible. Some of the changes we have implemented include the following: increased efficiency with transportation services, energy reductions, and staff reductions through attrition.

While we must not waiver from our mission to foster a culture of excellence, during this year we will examine all of our programs and services to ensure we plan carefully for the future. We will continue to share information about the district's financial situation and the effect of the state's school finance laws. Our dedication to our central purpose remains unchanged to serve each day the students of this district.

No matter our challenges, we will provide the very best learning opportunity for EVERY student who walks through our doors. We are all part of a great community with a rich heritage and a bright future. I am very excited about the things we have accomplished together and the direction we are headed. So bring the new construction paper, scissors, and school glue, we are ready! It's a great time to be a part of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.

Best of wishes to each of you for a great 2012-2013 school year.

Sincerely,

Jim F. Chadwell, Ed.D.

Superintendent