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Superintendent Update:08/23/2024

August 23, 2024

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Superintendent Community Update for Friday, August 23, 2024

Hello again Panther families! 

• As we finish our second full week back to school, I just wanted to send a quick district update about building construction progress, some “beginning of the school year” reflections, and a reminder about some important upcoming activities. 

“Beginning of the School Year” Reflections: 

• The beginning of school and the start of the fall season has always been my favorite time of year and this year was made even more special knowing that the hard work of our staff and the extra efforts of our construction workers were going to positively impact our students and families when they arrived for the first day of school. 

• Watching our students, staff,  and families arrive at school without having to navigate around concrete barriers, temporary fencing, closed streets, extensive construction zones, and a constant convoy of heavy machinery was a positive by-product of an enormous amount of collective human effort and community pride. Although we still have some areas in each building that need more attention before they are completely “finished”, I am extremely proud of what has been accomplished. Our students and staff are worth it! 

• I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for the flexibility of our families, neighbors, and community patrons as we continue to navigate the remaining challenges associated with the final stages of our building expansion projects. 

Parent and Family “Open House” Feedback: 

• Thanks to all of you for making our family and student “Open House” events at both buildings a success. 
• The extended hours made the classroom and school building tours, parking, and overall traffic flow much less congested. 
• Thank you again for helping us to get off to a great start!

Community “Open House” Events: 

• Listed below are the upcoming “Open House” dates for our community patrons.
  • Bennet Elementary School: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 
  • Palmyra Junior / Senior High School: Friday, October 4th, 2024 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 
    • Please note that Friday, October 4th is also Homecoming. 
• Please stay tuned for more specific details on these “Open House” events as we will post documents on our website and distribute information on our social media channels in the coming days.

Construction Progress: 

• Each day we get closer and closer to having all of the areas at both buildings opened. 
• Listed below are the expected timelines for student occupancy in each building. 
  • Please note that these timelines can still change according to unexpected material shipment or construction delays. 

Palmyra Junior/ Senior High School: 

• Second Floor East Side Addition Classrooms: Monday, September 9th 
• East Addition Garden Level Fitness Area: Monday, September 9th 
• East Addition Career Technical Education Shop Areas: Monday, September 30th 
• Student Training Room: Monday, September 30th 

Bennet Elementary School: 

• Indoor Multi-Purpose Area: Monday, September 9th 
• Computer Lab:  This area is now open. 

Upcoming Events and Activities: 

Wednesday, August 28th: 

• Social Media Presentation for Parents at Bennet Elementary School beginning at 6:30 p.m.
  • Snacks and refreshments will be served.  
  • This event is targeted to families and students from 3rd grade to 11th grade.
• Please see the below flyer for more information:

Tuesday, September 24th: 1:00 p.m. Student Dismissal: 

• Fall Parent Teacher Conferences at both buildings from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.  

Wednesday, September 25th: 

• No School for Students
• Professional Development Day for District Staff 

Wednesday, October 2nd:

• Bennet Elementary Community Open House from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 

Friday, October 4th: 

• Homecoming
• PHS Community Open House from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 

Thursday, October 17th: 

• No School for Students: Fall Break
• Professional Development Day for District Staff 

Friday, October 18th:

• No School for Students or Staff: Fall Break

Monday, October 21st: 

• No School for Students or Staff: Fall Break 

Board of Education Information: 

• Highlights from the last board meeting which took place on Monday, August 12th 2024 are now listed on our school website at the link listed below:
  • https://www.districtor1.org/

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings:      

Thank you again for supporting our students, staff, and district.

Have an enjoyable Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Mike 

Go Panthers!