From Crayons to Calculus in 2,450 Days
August 22, 2023
In just about a week, the doors of RSU No. 67 will be open and the 2023-2024 school year will begin. It’s back to school time! Though my children are grown and have careers of their own, the start of each new school year triggers the memories I have of their first days of Kindergarten. I remember the sense of pride I felt as each had reached this critical milestone, but also the feelings of sadness at the realization of how quickly they were growing up. I remember the hours at the mall looking for that perfect “first-day” outfit, and then how precious they all looked in their new outfits. When it was time to go to school, we took pictures and then slowly walked them to the schoolhouse door. These are some of the most cherished memories I have and I will hold them close to me forever. For those of you who have children beginning school this year, we know just how exciting (and perhaps a little scary) this day may be for you and for your child. Please know that your child will be cared for by exceptional educators who are eager to help your child adjust to their new environment, and make them feel welcomed and special.
From the title of this week's edition of the Superintendent’s Corner, you might have already guessed that “From Crayons to Calculus in 2,450 Days” alludes to the number of days a child will attend school from pre-K through grade 12. In just 2,450 school days, children progress from learning letter sounds to reading novels, and from recognizing shapes and numbers to solving complex mathematical equations. This transformation and growth are nothing short of miraculous and highlight the importance of retaining the very best support staff, teachers, and administrators that, in partnership with parents and caregivers, guide our students through the learning process.
Given all that has to be learned in such a short period, the importance of regular school attendance cannot be overstated. Last year, nearly 3 out of every 10 children in RSU 67 were chronically absent from school, meaning that they were absent for more than 10% of the school year (greater than 17 days). There is little doubt that chronic absenteeism can significantly impact student achievement, and because of this, we are committed to partnering with parents and caregivers in an effort to decrease absenteeism in 2023-2024. Working together, we are confident that we will improve both student attendance and achievement.
We are all very excited for the new school year to begin and we can’t wait to welcome our students in just a few days. It will be an amazing year, filled with opportunities for every child to learn and grow in their own way. As school opens, please remember that buses are on the road and please slow down whenever children are present. I wish all of our students, families, support staff, teachers, and administrators a fantastic start to the new school year.
Welcome Back and until next time…...
Paul Austin – Superintendent of Schools