Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we start week three of the school year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership. These first days are always filled with excitement, adjustment, and the beginnings of new routines—and already, we are seeing students begin to settle in, build relationships, and rise to the expectations we’ve set together.

This early part of the year is critical. It’s when habits begin to form, when classroom communities are built, and when students start to discover both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. As your child adjusts to new teachers, expectations, and experiences, it’s important to remember that growth doesn’t always look smooth or comfortable—but it is happening.

We want to remind you of a message we shared in our welcome letter: that challenge is not something to fear, but to embrace. Whether your child is navigating a tougher academic load, adapting to new social dynamics, or figuring out how to stay organized and on top of responsibilities, each of these moments holds the potential for growth. And just as importantly, they are learning how to seek help, advocate for themselves, and bounce back from missteps—all essential life skills.

In these first few weeks, here are a few ways you can continue to support your child’s journey:

* Check in regularly—not just about grades or assignments, but about how they’re feeling, what they’re learning, and how they’re adjusting.

* Encourage problem-solving—if your child is facing a challenge, guide them with questions rather than answers. “What have you tried?” or “What might you do differently next time?” helps build ownership.

* Celebrate effort, not just outcomes—recognizing persistence, curiosity, and responsibility helps reinforce that progress matters more than perfection.

* Model balance—reinforce the importance of sleep, downtime, and time away from screens, especially as the pace of the year begins to pick up.

You’ll hear us say it often: school is not just about academics. It’s about building character, developing resilience, and growing into the kind of people who lead with empathy, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. These values are lived out each day in our classrooms—and we are so encouraged by the energy your children are bringing to this new year.

In the coming weeks, students will begin diving more deeply into the curriculum and engaging in collaborative projects. We encourage you to ask your child about their classes and projects, what they’re excited about, what feels hard, and what they hope to accomplish. These conversations at home reinforce the importance of reflection, purpose, and ownership in their learning journey.

Thank you for being a part of our school community. Your support, your communication, and your trust make a lasting difference. We look forward to continuing this journey together—and to all the growth, learning, and leadership this year will bring.

With appreciation,

Chad Wahls,
Superintendent ... See MoreSee Less