October 8, 2021
Dear Raider Families,
October marks the changing of seasons, the end of the first quarter, and the beginnings of the holiday season. Since school began in August, we have seen our students adapt to the still-evolving pandemic protocols, return to school buildings on a regular schedule for the first time in many months, and work to adapt to our changing reality.
October is also Principal Appreciation Month. It is a month to thank, celebrate, and recognize some of the most important people in our students’ lives. Oftentimes, their advocacy for kids and the work that they do goes unnoticed. It may often even seem somewhat thankless at times. However, more often than not, it is enriching, motivating, and empowering as they work to guide young lives toward their academic and personal goals and dreams.
Our principals guide our students every step of the way of their educational experience, from Kindergarten until graduation. On many school days, your child’s principal is the first person to greet them when they arrive in the morning and the last one to send them on their way home, to sports, to clubs, and to other after school activities. They are working with our teachers, counselors, custodial staff, school nurses, bus drivers and more. Every single staff member in our District is connected to our principals.
Being a principal is more than being a figurehead in a building. Our principals are friends, coaches, mentors, counselors. They know about your child’s favorite sport, pet, what they want to be when they grow up, and of course, their grades.
I want to personally thank each of our 29 principals and assistant principals for supporting our students in whatever way they need. Whether they are new to the District like Ms. Bates at Rose Hill Elementary, or have been with us for almost two decades like Mr. Bennett at Reynoldsburg High School, their end goal is the same: to empower leaders who impact the NOW and innovate the Future. It is a privilege to watch them work.
This has been one of the most challenging years in the history of education, and yet, they persevere. Our principals have been asked to take on new responsibilities and have done so without question. I am truly thankful for them every single day.
Raider Families, if you get a chance, please reach out to your child’s principal and celebrate them- not just in October, but all year.
I am, and remain always, #REYNProud