EGRPS - Welcome to the 2012-2013 School Year! | Community Spirit

From: http://www.egrps.org

Welcome Back! We hope you have had a wonderful summer and are refreshed and reenergized for the new school year. Summer is always a productive time for a school district as we reflect on the previous school year and prepare for the unique opportunities and challenges that a new school year presents. Our staff has taken advantage of multiple learning opportunities to continue learning and growing in their teaching profession and we all look forward to another great year with our students.

In June, as the school year ended, we recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of nine retiring teachers who collectively had over 220 years of teaching experience! Their expertise and experience will be missed, but we are excited to welcome our new teachers and are confident they will become valuable members of the East Grand Public Schools staff. Before we begin the journey of a new school year, we invite you to visit our district website (www.egrps.org) where you will find building highlights from the 2011-2012 school year. We hope you will join us in recognizing and celebrating our student and staff accomplishments.

Over the summer we continued to prepare for the implementation of the voluntary Engage 1:1 initiative starting this fall at the high school. Through our preparation and learning over the past three years, we believe that a 1:1 technology environment moves teaching and learning to a higher level and positions students for success beyond East Grand Rapids. As we eagerly anticipate the teaching and learning possibilities that 1:1 technology provides, we appreciate and understand that effective teaching is a critical component to student achievement and are grateful for our outstanding teachers and their efforts in the use of technology as an instructional tool.

We also appreciate the continued generosity of our PTAs, EGR Schools Foundation, and community partnerships. Last year, through the financial support of the PTAs and EGR Schools Foundation, reading book rooms became a reality in the elementary buildings; technology enhancements were supported at all grade levels; and many other educational enrichments were provided that positively impacted our students. Our PTAs also provided an endless number of voluntary hours that benefit our school wide learning environment. In addition, last spring, the EGR Schools Foundation held a fundraising campaign, EGR Now!, which raised over $500,000 from our supportive community. This financial support saved critical programs and services that are essential to our students’ educational experience. THANK YOU! We appreciate your support and are committed to keeping our community informed regarding state funding issues and the potential impact on future district budgets.

We remain dedicated to educational excellence throughout the learning journey of our students. While proud of our past teaching and learning achievements, we are committed to focusing on the future and the continuous improvement necessary to ensure academic success. Again, a huge thank you to our community for your tremendous continued support of the East Grand Rapids Public Schools and best wishes in the new school year.

Go EAST!

Sara Magaña Shubel, Ph.D., Superintendent
sshubel@egrps.org

Brian R. Ellis, Board of Education President
brian@brooktreecapital.com