School year is underway

The sounds of Parkside’s fun intercom announcement once again carries over the breeze, kids fly by on bikes, kindergartners clutch hands of parents walking to school — the school year is underway. 

As a parent of now a middle and a high schooler, taking pictures at the first day at Westside last Thursday was a bittersweet moment as I scrolled far back through my camera roll to locate a picture of my son sitting on the steps of his preschool in Georgia back in 2015. Now, he’s a Powell High School sophomore.

My youngest, a proud Parkside alum, is now a Powell Middle School sixth grader, and our family hits another milestone, our kids are done with elementary school. 

So, the first day was somewhat bittersweet, thinking back to fond memories, but also exciting, thinking about what our kids will accomplish this year. 

As parents, my wife and I can be optimistic knowing our kids are in a first rate school system, dedicated to the academic and personal growth of all students. 

I’ve grown to appreciate the school district as a parent and, for much of the last school year, as the temporary education reporter, covering the schools and the board meetings and learning even more about what staff and administration are doing to ensure great outcomes for students. 

The success is clear: Nearly every school has at least one Blue Ribbon award for excellence and a number have multiple awards.

The district is also regularly among the highest achieving in the state.

More importantly, I see how the teachers and other staff are helping to mold a new successful generation which will make Powell proud. 

So here’s a thanks to all those in Park County School District 1. I hope you are well prepared despite some big revenue changes to continue your great work. And to the students, learn a lot, listen to your teachers, and have fun.