Superintendent's Message for June 2023

Well that’s a wrap!  The 2022-2023 school year is in the books and summer for our students has officially begun.  I would like to thank all the parents and students for a wonderful school year.  I would also like to thank the entire sch,ool staff for their time and dedication throughout the school year.  People think teachers work nine months out of the year - this could not be any further from the truth. During our professional development sessions once the students were out for the summer, our staff immediately turned their attention to how to serve students in the 2023-24 school year. This summer they will be attending various workshops and training on instructional strategies, how to meet the needs of students in the area of mental health, and various other learning opportunities to meet the needs of their students.  Please thank them for their hard work and dedication whenever you get the chance. We have fewer and fewer people choosing this noble profession and this trend needs to change if we are going to continue to serve our students adequately. Our school works hard to attract and retain staff to provide quality education for our students. Today's workforce has started to impact these services.  If you know somebody that enjoys working with people and serving others please recommend them to apply for a position at our school. The district offers competitive wages, a great state pension, and a friendly work atmosphere. Go to our website or call the Central Office at 641-774-5967 for more information.  

We have some exciting news for the 2023-2024 school year.  We will be releasing a new communication platform called Parent Square.  This program will function similarly to other social media platforms.  It will allow parents and/or guardians to interact with their students’ teachers and schools.  Parents will be able to choose when they receive the communication to customize their schedules and families' preferences.  Our hope is this platform will serve our students and families from PK-12 grade so that when students move from grade to grade the communication system remains the same.  This will prevent confusion, help foster better communication, and strengthen the partnership that is so important between parents and our school.  

If you missed the May edition of Around Chariton you need to read the article written by Alicia McGee about the Chariton Valley Construction Academy’s work in our area.  Instructor Gary Narber, in conjunction with Chariton CSD and Indian Hills Community College, has done a wonderful job with this program.  The article celebrates the students, recent community projects, and wonderful partnerships with community leaders and organizations.  It is a must-read.

Our Charger Boys Soccer won the SCC Conference title for the first time in school history.  They also broke the school record for the most wins in a season when they defeated Knoxville in IHSAA district play.  They played in the substrate final against a very good team and they were defeated.  They had a wonderful season.  

Congratulations to the girls' Distance Medley relay team, the boys' 4x800 relay team, and Ava Krutsinger on their performances at the State Track Meet at Drake Stadium. The boys ran their personal best time to finish 18th in the 4x800, the girls' Distance Medley relay team finished 14th overall, and Ava Krutsinger (#3) finished 14th in the open 800. Congratulations to all these athletes!

The Charger boys tennis team are conference champions!  They won the SCC Conference under the toolage of Coach Brian Zimmerli.  Spencer Smith was the single champion, Blane Wallace and Zach Poling placed 3rd and Kade Williams and Dominique Colburn finished 5th in double play. All conference selections for the Chargers were Spencer Smith, Zach Poling and Blane Wallace.  Excellent season!

Finally, Chariton Schools has a lot going on this summer for improvements. Reynolds Field is well underway in being remodeled and is currently on schedule.  The Van Allen playground is in the process of being removed and getting ready for the installation of a new system to meet the needs of our students and community.  We salvaged a few pieces of the structure to ensure the history of it can be remembered and saved.  Two projects you may not notice as much are the new H-VAC systems being installed in our elementary gymnasiums and food service areas.  This will definitely be noticed by our students and staff when they return in the heat of August when we start the 2023-24 school year.

Thanks again for entrusting us with your children.  We had such a pleasurable school year and are looking forward to the same in 2023-2024.  Have an enjoyable summer!

GO CHARGERS and THINK BIG !!!!

Mr. Baker
Phone - 641-774-5967
Email - brad.baker@chariton.k12.ia.us
Twitter - @Super_Charger