WRITTEN BY DR. THERON SCHUTTE, SUPERINTENDENT
As the summer winds down, I want to extend a warm welcome to students, parents, and staff as the Marshalltown Community School District prepares to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year. With schools across the district opening their doors once again on September 3, 2024, we are looking forward to the excitement and opportunities that await in the upcoming months.
Our team has been hard at work over the summer to ensure that every school is ready to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for our students. A significant number of our staff have engaged in teaching summer school classes and/or their own professional development over the summer months and our district custodial and grounds crews have been engaged in numerous facility improvement projects. Most notably will be the significant renovations and additions made at Marshalltown High School (MHS) with our science and career & technical education learning spaces. Whether students are returning or joining us for the first time, we are deeply committed to fostering a community where everyone can thrive both academically and personally.
This past week has been one of pride and inspiration as our School Board heard from MHS Student Senate and National Hispanic Institute (NHI) participants talk about how excited they are for the coming school year and their plans to provide leadership, service and fun activities. Many student activities have been practicing and performing during the past few weeks such as cheerleading, cross country, flag team, football, boys golf, marching band, girls swimming and volleyball. New Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) are being created, to provide additional opportunities for student leadership and club participation, like our existing FFA program.
This year, the district will continue its focus on increased daily attendance, academic excellence, innovative teaching and learning, and inclusivity. A key to achieving that is collaboration between our students, parents, and educators to ensure that every student receives the tools and support needed for success. We're looking forward to a year of achievement, connection and joyful learning. I am confident that together, our Bobcats will accomplish great things!
As the school year begins, this is a time of new beginnings, and the entire district is ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.