PLCS Be Known for Engagement

It doesn’t seem possible it’s already time for Parent-Teacher Conferences. The fall term always passes by so quickly and Parent-Teacher Conferences serve as an important signpost as the midway point of the semester. As a parent, I certainly understand the importance of Parent-Teacher Conferences. We have so many ways to communicate with students and parents: emails, phone calls, school newsletters, robo-calls, and the District App to name just a few. But in my opinion, there is no substitute for a good, old-fashioned face-to-face meeting with your students’ teachers.

This is my first year as the parent of a high schooler. The freshman year represents so many “first experiences.” From the first open house to the first Homecoming dance, everything is new and exciting. And a little bit frightening! My wife Amy and I are so proud of our daughter, but we’re also very protective of her. We want her high school experience to be happy and productive. Parent-Teacher Conferences are a good first step to make sure that happens. If there is one thing I know, it is that it truly takes a village to raise a teenager and we want our teachers and administrators in our village.

As hoped, conferences were a success, and much of the credit goes to my daughter’s teachers. They have done an incredible job communicating her progress, so there were no surprises at her conferences. I sometimes worry my children’s teachers will treat them differently because of the chair that I sit in. I have seen no evidence of that. It can’t be easy having the Superintendent’s kids in class! Our teachers are highly professional, and I am grateful for the work they do everyday with my three children and all children throughout the District.   I truly believe our District is “Known for Greatness” because of the amazing teachers we have.

Communication of course is key. Parents have mentioned to me that our teachers communicate with them so often, there is often little need for them to attend conferences. Of course, no one wants to be accused of being a disengaged parent! So to our teachers who spend so many hours working with our students and parents, I say thank you. And to our parents who take the time to stay involved with their children’s education, please know how much we appreciate your involvement and support. As always, #BeKind!


Updated October 29, 2018

Be Known for Commitment

If you’ve visited Foundation Field recently, you’ve seen progress on the first project of the 2018 school bond. An additional 200 parking stalls will be added to the district stadium and serve visitors to our athletic complex as well as our staff and students as PLSHS continues to grow. We anticipate the parking lot expansion will be completed by the end of November.

In addition to the work at Foundation Field, we have made progress in other key areas. Secondary door locks have been installed at five elementary buildings: Portal, Patriot, Walnut Creek, Hickory Hill, and Bell. These door locks will add an extra layer of security for our students and staff in these buildings. We have also begun planning for the renovation of Anderson Grove. New classrooms and library space, additional parking, an updated kitchen, and a more secure front entryway are included in the design. The building plans are being finalized and we anticipate construction will begin as early as this winter.

We will provide regular communication updates to our community so they can see their tax dollars at work. To that end, we are asking for students to serve on our “Bond Squad.” These student volunteers will serve as key communicators as we record videos and provide bond project updates to our parents and community members. Please contact your building principal if you would like more information.

These bond projects are important to me as both a school leader and a parent. My oldest daughter is a freshman at PLSHS, and I have another daughter and son who attend Bell Elementary. The safety upgrades and building renovations will directly impact the quality of support the District offers my children and yours. I am so proud of our community for prioritizing safety and supporting this bond. I take your trust very seriously, and we will do everything we can to spend your tax dollars responsibly and communicate our progress in a transparent manner. Thank you for your support and as always, Be Kind!

Update October 10, 2018