September 2007 - CHS News from the Principal
September 01, 2007
I am thrilled to be here in Concordia, working with the students, faculty, staff, parents and community. We have hit the ground running in the building, and the kids are responding well. We have air conditioning, so it is so much easier to stay focused on the task at hand, which is staying engaged in the learning process. We are grateful to all involved who brought the cool air to us!
With a new principal come new expectations and procedures. The staff and students are working hard to meet my expectations, which are high. My goal is for this school to be the best in the state, second to none. We will work hard each day to hold each other accountable to live up to this mission. I want each of my students engaged in learning, taught by highly trained, effective teachers. Both students and teachers will then build trusting relationships, and work to include the parents and community within that circle of trust. If we do those things, each to the best of our ability, we can be the best school in the state.
We also have two new assistant principals in the building. Doug Elias is also athletic director and sophomore/junior attendance and discipline. Corey Isbell is also activities director and junior high/ freshman attendance and discipline. I will handle the senior attendance and discipline, but will cover for Doug and Corey if needed in these areas. Attendance is one of the most important lifelong skills we teach in our schools, and I want my students to attend school each day. The law requires that students be at school while it is in session, unless they are ill, have a medical appointment, a court appointment, are attending a school sponsored activity or have arranged their absence with prior approval from the principal. If the student has not done one of the above, their absence is unexcused. Parents, please call our office if your child is ill, and do so before 10 am if possible. Also, if you are going on a trip, going to a funeral, or will be taking your student from school for any reason, please call and arrange prior approval, so we don’t have to mark your student’s absence as unexcused. Please let us know at least a week in advance if possible, to arrange this prior approval. We want to work with parents on this, and not be confrontational. Attendance at Concordia Junior/Senior High School is the law for our students, and we will follow the law to the letter. We hope that parents support us on this, and want their children to develop this lifelong habit.