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Minds and Matter: From orientation to graduation: Celebrating the Class of 2015
by Kevin Hatfield, School Superintendent · Op-Ed · May 21, 2015
As Superintendent of Schools, I am grateful for the passion, commitment, volunteerism and support the community of West Branch provides our students and our district.
I am equally grateful for the “commitment to excellence” the Class of 2015 has made.
The Class of 2015 is special to me for many reasons.
I had the pleasure of speaking to them at their freshmen orientation, in August 2011.
I had been the superintendent for less than 40 days. I recall thinking, “Four years from now this group of students will be an important benchmark of our work.”
That night I challenged the Class of 2015 to accomplish the following:
• Establish one the district’s highest average ACT scores ever recorded. Accomplished!
The average ACT score of this remarkable group of students is 24.
The average for the district over the past 10 years has been around 22.
• Graduate with the highest number of college credits ever recorded. Accomplished!
Since that night, the district has tripled the number of college credit course available and student enrollments have quadrupled.
I am proud of the District’s work in this area and more importantly, the efforts of our students.
It has saved their families thousands of dollars in college / career-opportunity tuition.
• Re-establishing the W.B.C.S.D. as one of Iowa’s premier school districts! Accomplished!
Did you know that school districts around Iowa have been requesting our staff and students to come and share about the teaching and learning happening in our district? It is true!
• Be remembered as one of the most decorated groups of students both academically and in extra-curricular achievement. Accomplished!
Due to the dedication of our staff, I believe the Class of 2015 is the most “future-ready” group of students to graduate from the W.B.C.S.D.
I am confident they will continue to make their parents, teachers, coaches, directors and our entire community very proud.
Thank you Class of 2015!
Reminders
Graduation: Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m., WBHS.
Last Day of School: Tuesday, May 27, 11 a.m.
Free Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program: June 8 – Aug. 14 (No program July 3 & 6) Breakfast: 8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Elementary Summer School begins Tuesday, June 9.
High School Credit Recovery: Session I – June 8, Session II – July 6
First Day of School: Monday, Aug. 24.
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