By Dr. Lanny Tibaldo

As the 2007-2008 school year draws to a close, we should take the time to appreciate the many accomplishments of the West De Pere School District.  With the support of our community, dedicated parents, teachers, and students we opened two new educational facilities.  Hemlock Creek Elementary School opened in September and is a beautiful, spacious, functional facility equipped with the finest technology available for our childrens’ education.  Our charter school, the Phantom-Knight School of Opportunity, opened and is providing challenging learning experiences to students.  The Board of Education approved a four year old kindergarten program.  The program will begin during the 2008-2009 school year and will prepare young children for future school success.  We have two additional teachers that have earned National Board Certification and are pleased that we have another Golden Apple winner.  There have been many initiatives in curriculum and we continue to provide state of the art technology to our children.  This year our enrollment increased by 150 students, which is the largest enrollment gain in Brown County and quite unique compared to the rest of Wisconsin school districts.  We should be extremely proud of these accomplishments, which are strong indicators of a healthy, progressive school district.  Such accomplishments can only be achieved through an energetic staff, an understanding Board of Education, and a community that cares and sacrifices for their children.

Curriculum development continues to make progressive strides to ensure comprehensive and engaging educational programming for all students. The Science Committee is in the process of aligning new resources with recent curriculum revisions. The Middle School math pilot will conclude this spring with a recommendation for program adoption to be implemented in Fall, 2008. The Literacy Committee is researching best practices and materials to support the district’s balanced literacy framework, content area reading, and literacy development. Music, Art, and Physical Education Departments are involved in team meetings to develop sequential learning targets at each grade level. The months ahead will continue to provide staff with exciting opportunities for professional development related to curriculum design, technology integration, and resource implementation.

We are all very proud of our students for their achievements in learning, volunteerism in the community, the pride they demonstrate for their schools, and the many successes they have earned in academics and co-curricular activities.  Our academic decathlon team advanced to regional competition and missed going to state by one point.  One of our wrestlers earned a third place bronze medal at the WIAA State Tournament.  Our One Act Play “Drama 101” advanced to state competition and received the Critics Choice Award, the Ensemble Acting Award, and honorable mention for directing.  Our Pom & Dance Team won the Division II State Championship in LaCrosse winning both the Pom & Dance and the Kick competitions.  Our band and choir students continue to prepare for solo and ensemble competition.  These student accomplishments highlight the talents of the children and young adults in our community.  Our community has great students!  Please take the time to congratulate and recognize all our students.

On a personal note, I believe most citizens know that I am retiring at the end of the 2007-2008 school year.  This decision was the most difficult of my career because of the extreme pleasure I have experienced with the wonderful children and excellent staff in our district.  West De Pere is a quality learning organization with outstanding students, staff, administrative team, Board of Education, and community.  I would encourage our citizens to continue to support our schools as generously as you have and to volunteer services to assist in any means possible.  Any Superintendent would be proud to serve with such enthusiastic, supportive people.  It has been rewarding to serve the district in a leadership role in providing the best education for our children through strong academics; safe, functional facilities; challenging strategic plan; and outstanding co-curricular programs.  We have all enjoyed the successful journey that has earned West De Pere a positive reputation in our region and state.  My family and I appreciate the support, kindness, and trust the School District of West De Pere community has given us since 1997.  West De Pere is a place that we enjoy calling home.  The children, staff, and management team at West De Pere will always remain very special to me!  Please continue to encourage students to achieve in academic and co-curricular activities.  Best wishes for continued success!