Dear Panther Family,
I love the energy and excitement that this time of year brings! Our newest Panthers (the Class of 2038!) start their K-12 journey, and the Class of 2026 embarks on the last of many years gone by in a flash. Someone once said that the days are long but the years are short, and I have to agree as I recall many of the faces of this year’s Senior Class when they started their K-12 journey. Time flies!
As summer winds down, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many staff members who have worked tirelessly to prepare for a successful and enriching school year. In alignment with our 3-Year Facilities Improvement Plan, you will see energy-efficient and cost-saving lighting upgrades in all buildings, improved parking lot safety and function, and updated fire and security alarm systems.. These critical enhancements—along with our routine cleaning and maintenance projects—reflect our continued commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and comfortable spaces for learning. A special thank you goes to our outstanding facilities team for their hard work throughout the summer, and always!
Our campuses remained busy throughout the summer. Students participated in athletic camps and learning programs, while our staff and administrators collaborated to refine curriculum, instruction and programming to prepare for the year ahead.
Our Board of Education and Leadership Teams, along with representatives from our Parent Advisory Council and community, have engaged this summer in a comprehensive Strategic Planning process. Once complete, the Strategic Plan will not only highlight our shared goals and priorities, but will also guide improvements, initiatives, and resource allocation over the coming years. As we shape this roadmap for the future, we welcome and value your input and offer two ways to participate:
We invite you to join us on Thursday, August 21, for a special public screening of Most Likely to Succeed, a powerful documentary developed with author Ted Dintersmith (What Schools Could Be). The film explores innovative approaches to education and will be followed by a community discussion that directly supports our strategic planning work.
In the coming weeks, you’ll also have an opportunity to share your voice through a Strategic Plan survey, available in both digital and paper formats. Look for the link on our website and social media or find a paper copy in your student’s back-to-school packet.
Thank you, also, to the many community members who participated in our Bond Feedback Survey! Responses from the survey and community feedback were used to refine our scope of work, revise our 3-year Facilities Improvement Plan, and align our priorities for project improvements.
On November 4th, the Parchment Community will be asked to consider a bond issue to fund critical large-scale facilities projects to upgrade HVAC, electrical and security systems, replace leaking roofs, and reconfigure entryways to align with the changing security needs of today’s schools. Watch our website and social media platforms for more information, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at 488-1050 with questions or suggestions.
Strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand. Your voice helps ensure our priorities reflect the values and aspirations we share. I am continually inspired by the resilience and positivity our community shows in the face of challenges, and by the unwavering commitment to growth and excellence demonstrated by our staff. Together, we are shaping a bright future for every Panther student!!
With sincere gratitude and Panther Pride,
