Welcome to 2012!  As we start the new calendar year, it's a time most people notoriously make New Year's Resolutions. I challenge you to change your resolution to "changes".  Motivation to "change" is scary as you challenge your assumptions, old habits and beliefs and move out of your comfort zone.

Taken from a book, The Nature of Success, by Mac Anderson, Founder, Simple Truths, the following are suggestions to help you (us) address issues in our rapidly changing world both in personal and professional lives.

§  Discover your personal definition of success

§  Discover your core existence, or your reason for being

§  Set clearly defined goals

§  Never waiver in your belief that you can achieve them

§  Manage your attitude

§  Persevere when adversity strikes...and it will

§  Learn to take risks and embrace change

§  Keep kindness in your heart...always

§  Love and be loved

§  Make a difference whenever, wherever, and however, you can.

Changes are happening within the Southgate Community School District, too.  The Strategic Plan, approved by the Board of Education in May, 2011 is being implemented with research, discussions and decisions being made by the Implementation Team, the Financial Input Team (FIT), and the Instructional Leadership Development Team.  Team members consist of directors, administrators, teachers and support staff, the superintendent and Board members.  Committees will be formed soon which will include the above personnel as well as parents, business partners and other community members to help us formulate recommendations to the Southgate Board of Education, based on relevant data, to ensure the solvency and success of our district in the future.  We will take in to account the advice listed above as we keep in mind the overarching question asked when any decision are made: What impact will decision have on student learning? 

We will be mindful of the changing laws regarding education funding, competition from unlimited charter schools, changing demographics for residents of our community, regulations regarding teacher and principal evaluation systems based on student growth over time and other federal and state rules , regulations and mandates (funded and unfunded) that take many of us away from our primary focus on student learning based on quality teaching.

With patience, understanding and hard work from staff, parents and the community at large we will make the changes necessary to continue to make Southgate Schools the "Best Choice for Parents and Students."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!