Dear ISD Parents, 

Field Day is Wednesday, June 18th.  I hope the weather cooperates as we all look forward to this day of fun and physical activity.  Some of you have asked why it is being held later this year and the primary reason is, we wanted to complete the SBAC testing and get that off our long "to do" list, along with everything else, before shifting our focus to Field Day. Since we were administering SBAC for the first time, we did not know how it would run and what obstacles we might confront.  However, I am happy to report that it went extremely well, with just a few minor (really minor) hiccups.  Thank you to Mr. Matejek and all the teachers for ensuring every detail was taken into consideration.

We are in the throes of winding down this school year, while planning for the next one.  There are many things I can think of that make me proud of what we accomplished this year and what we will build on for next year. One of those "pride points" include the designation of "School of Distinction" bestowed on us by the Department of Education and based on last spring's CMT scores.  We stand in good stead with our achievement and plan to use that standing as a platform from which to grow.  Another point of pride is the advances in integrating technology into our instructional program.  Both staff and students experienced learning new educational apps and software to support and reinforce learning this year.  In addition, our new 3D printer enabled innovative ideas by our students to come to fruition.  Based on the strides we have made, we will be more than ready when Phase 3 of the District Technology Plan will be implemented in the fall of 2015 and every student will receive a device to augment their learning. It is all very exciting.

I want to thank all of you who volunteered and contributed in any way in helping us have a successful school year, whether volunteering your time sending class emails, monitoring the front door, planting flowers, organizing special events or simply joining our PTA.  It is very much appreciated and the lives of our students are richer because of those contributions.  I hope you made it to our Volunteer Breakfast, which is our small way of showing you our appreciation.

Things are very busy and some of you may have noticed that Mrs. Scott has not been here in the office.  She has been on a family leave for the past seven weeks to be with a member of her family who is dealing with a serious illness.  Just today, the staff and I received an email that there is some good news on that front.  She concluded her email by reminding all of us in broad terms not to "sweat the small stuff" but to appreciate the really important things and people in our lives.  It is a good reminder, especially when we find ourselves in times with long "to do" lists.  I thought I would conclude this letter by passing the message along to all of you.  Happy Fathers Day whether you are a father, have a father or know someone who is a father.  

Sincerely, Terry Ricci