THANKFUL
Time passes quickly. It is hard to believe that we are now at the doorstep of the 2023 holiday season. As a reminder, RSU 67 schools will be closed next week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 22, 23, and 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. As Thanksgiving is a time of reflection, this edition of the Superintendent’s Corner is dedicated to some of the many things I am grateful for in RSU 67.
I am thankful for our students. When faced with adversity, our students have consistently demonstrated resilience and kindness toward each other. Through their daily actions, they have shown a dedication to their communities and support for their classmates. Despite their challenges, our students have decreased absenteeism and improved classroom performance. Several seniors at Mattanawcook Academy have already been accepted and plan to attend the college of their choice in the fall of 2024. Many of our students are becoming career and workforce-ready by attending Region III Technical School. Our students have given the district, their families, and the RSU 67 school community much to be thankful for. I am incredibly proud of every student in RSU 67 schools.
I am thankful for our faculty, staff, administrators, and the RSU 67 Board of Directors. Perhaps George W. Bush said it best when he said, “We’ll never be able to compete in the 21st century unless we have an education system that doesn’t quit on children, an education system that raises standards, an education that makes sure there’s excellence in every classroom.” I am incredibly thankful to work with faculty, staff, administrators, and a School Board who give so much to our students and the RSU 67 communities. Our entire system is working toward continuous improvement, and we share the primary goal of ensuring that every student is career, college, and workforce-ready when they graduate from RSU 67 schools. With our newly adopted strategic plan, we have set lofty goals for student achievement, and our expectations are very high. I believe that together, we will achieve the district mission and vision created with input from the entire school community.
Finally, I am thankful for the communities of Lincoln, Chester, Mattawamkeag, and the other regional towns that send their children to RSU 67 schools. Without your support, we could not provide what we do today. You have high expectations for us, and we will answer your call. We will work collaboratively with each of our communities to meet the needs of every student who walks through our doors. We strive to be a welcoming school community that empowers each child to achieve their full potential. We are grateful for the support of our communities for our students, staff, and schools. “Unity is strength…. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” - Mattie Stepanek
I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. In whatever way you celebrate, may your holiday be filled with family and friends who create warm memories that last a lifetime.
Until next time......
Dr. Paul Austin, Superintendent RSU No. 67