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| WACO Community School District |
706 North Pearl Wayland, Iowa 52654
Phone: 319-256-6201 Fax: 319-256-6213 |
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Coen’s Corner
The graduation caps have been thrown and now, finally, the school year is wrapping up with only two days left at WMU and four days for WACO. It seems only yesterday when it was the first day of the school year. Time flies. And by the time this article is printed, the school year will officially be over and kids will be transformed into human cannonballs, seeing who can make the biggest splash, as they jump into area swimming pools. Oh to be young again...
I can honestly say we had one great year at both WMU and WACO. Already, though, the principals and I have invested a lot of time into the planning of school next year. We have registration set and a fairly solid plan in place for teachers' first days back. To the dismay of our students, we also have the first day of school plans in motion. Not that I'm counting, trust me, but I estimate that summer vacation lasts 80 days. As administrators, it's never too early to plan ahead. As students, I recommend you plan and use your 80 days wisely!
Speaking of using time wisely, moms and dads, let's talk about summer and education. There has been much research about a little thing called "summer loss". This term refers to the decrease in academic ability blamed to no instruction taking place during the summer months. This phenomenon has been recurring year after year after year. The good news, though, is that the remedy for summer loss is simple: have your child read 4-5 books during the summer months. We are blessed with wonderful local libraries full of books just waiting to be read. These libraries also offer computers for public use. If you don't have internet connection, visit the library to connect to the world wide web that is full of grade level educational practice and games. Please encourage your child to stay connected to education this summer. And if you find them reading, pick up a book yourself. Kids do, indeed, learn by example.
Even with a few days left, there is work to be done. This past week, Mrs. Benson, Mrs. Coble and I had the opportunity to meet with Iowa Senators Fraise and Courtney to discuss current educational issues. Students Kara Rodgers, Sarah Chaney and John Klopfenstein also attended. School funding was the topic of conversation. I was pleased to hear both senators asking insightful questions and attentively listening to the responses. I'm optimistic that both will return to Des Moines with a clearer understanding of the challenges Iowa's schools face. It is my hope they pass along the information to their fellow peers.
With high school track and golf season over, baseball and softball are in full swing. That is, if it ever stops raining! As you may know, WMU and WACO share the baseball program. For now, family and friends will experience the inconvenience of the yet to be finished sports complex in Winfield. I ask that you please bear with us as it will be a top notch facility when completed. Hopefully the new concession stand and bathrooms will be ready to use by early June. What's that saying? Ah yes, "Patience is a virtue."
Again, when kids think of vacation, they tend to picture themselves sleeping in daily, texting continuously and "hanging out" with their friends non-stop. Much like summer loss, kids' bodies also suffer from the lack of fresh air and exercise. I encourage parents to speak with your 7th-12th grade student athletes to explain how important it is to train during the off season. We have dedicated coaches willing to help each student ready his/her personal best. The weight room will be open, so talk with a coach, set a goal, make a training schedule and hit the weights. I guarantee you won't regret it.
Once more, WMU will provide a summer breakfast and lunch program for children and adults alike. This summer we have scheduled the programs in cooperation with the Winfield City Library and our school staff. So when you see Barb Peeler, please tell her thank you. She is a great person who is very dedicated to the children of our communities. Thank you, Barb, for helping us make this great program happen again.
Lastly, a big thank you goes to WACO and WMU students, teachers, parents and communities for a great 2010-11 school year. We all know, it takes a great community to run a successful school. As the principals, custodial staff and I prepare for the 2011-12 school year, I wish you a fun and safe summer. During this time, I, too, will pick up a few books to read, exercise regularly and when I get the hankering, I'll pick up my fishing pole and head to the nearest fishing hole. Those are the times when, as the Naturalist Izaak Walton noted, "I have laid aside business, and gone a'fishing."
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