Superintendent's Message for November 2026

SUPERINTENDENT MESSAGE 

November 2026

Hello, Chargers!!

As we move further into the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the many wonderful things happening throughout our district. It has been an exciting and productive fall, and much of that success is made possible through the continued partnership and support of our parents, guardians, students, staff, and community.

First, thank you to all of our families who took the time to participate in our recent Parent-Teacher Conferences. The strong involvement and engagement we witnessed reflect the importance our families place on education and the success of our students. Building strong relationships between home and school is essential, and these opportunities allow us to work together to support each student's growth and achievement.

We also have much to celebrate with our fall extracurricular activities. Our boys' cross-country team delivered an outstanding performance at the State Meet, bringing home a third-place team finish and an individual State Champion! This is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of our student-athletes and coaches.

Our football team also gave us plenty to cheer about, earning a trip to the playoffs and demonstrating tremendous determination throughout the season. Our volleyball team had a successful and memorable season as well, representing our district with pride, teamwork, and commitment. Congratulations to all of our athletes, coaches, and families who supported these programs along the way.

Our students and directors worked hard to bring the musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” to life. Our students did a great job bringing this production to life.

There are a couple of things I want to bring to your attention:

School Bus Seatbelt Safety Expectations 

The safety of our students is a top priority for the district. We are committed to providing a safe and secure transportation environment for every student who rides our school buses. Seatbelts and shoulder harnesses are important safety devices designed to help protect students in the event of a sudden stop, accident, or other unexpected situation. We ask for the cooperation of students, parents, and guardians in reinforcing the importance of following all bus safety expectations.

In accordance with board policy 711.10 (included below), effective November 16, 2026, we will enforce a zero-tolerance seatbelt policy on all school buses equipped with student seatbelts. Students will no longer receive warnings because the driver has clearly communicated these expectations. Any student found riding on a moving bus without their seatbelt securely fastened and shoulder harness properly in place will be subject to the following consequences:

• 1st Offense: Suspension from all school buses for 5 school days.
• 2nd Offense: Suspension from all school buses for 4 months.
• 3rd Offense: Suspension from all school buses for one calendar year.

These consequences apply to all school buses and vehicles equipped with seatbelts. Students are expected to wear their seatbelts properly at all times while the bus is in motion.

The district expects all students to remain properly buckled for the entire bus ride. A parent letter is linked with this information outlining the expectations and consequences students may face if they do not follow this safety requirement. Consistent enforcement supports our bus drivers, reinforces student responsibility, and helps ensure the safest transportation environment possible for all students.

Wearing a seat belt is not optional; it is a requirement every time a student rides a district school bus. Parent Letter Concerning Seatbelts

November 2nd - No School but Plenty of Learning

Mike Maffoni, our Professional Learning Community (PLC) consultant, joined us on November 2nd for a full day of professional development with our teaching staff. He spent the morning working with our secondary teachers and the afternoon with our elementary teachers. The focus of the day was on collecting, analyzing, and effectively using student data to guide instructional decisions and improve student learning outcomes. It was a productive day of collaboration and learning, and our staff gained valuable insights and strategies to continue strengthening our PLC work and improving student achievement. These days are very important for us to gain knowledge and skills to better serve your child.  Thank you for being supportive.

Closing

As I reflect on the first part of our school year, I am reminded that a school district's success is measured in many ways. It is found in the classroom, on the playing field, on the stage, and in the relationships we build with our families and community. We have much to be proud of, and I appreciate everyone who helps make our district a great place for students to learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for your continued support and for being an important part of our school district. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Please visit our website at https://www.charitonschools.org/ for additional information about our school district. 

GO CHARGERS and THINK BIG !!!!  

Mr. Baker, #LBE

Phone - 641-774-5967

Email- brad.baker@chariton.k12.ia.us