“It takes a village to educate a child.”
These words have never been truer than in this time, in this place. The Broadalbin-Perth Central School District is at a crossroads in its history. The district is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges while, at the same time, trying to keep pace with the demands that our 21st-century global economy is placing on our education system. We know that the only way our district will meet these challenges is if it has the support of not only teachers and parents, but every member of our community.
It’s no secret that the district has and will continue to work through some financial struggles. Members of our board of education are committed to being responsive to the fiscal realities of our community as they chart our district’s financial future. But no matter how bad the economy gets, I urge all of you to remember that our community’s greatest resource is its children. Their education cannot wait until the stock market recovers or the housing market rebounds. Their time to learn is now.
During the 2009-10 school year, Broadalbin-Perth is relying on the collective creativity of its greater community (faculty, staff, parents and residents) as we strive to continue providing a world-class education for our children in a difficult economy. The Learning Community, which opened its doors in September, is a concrete example of creative collaboration. Through innovative teaching techniques and a forward-thinking philosophy on early childhood education, we will be able to provide our youngest students with a solid foundation of traditional academic knowledge and modern, real-world skills – such as critical thinking, problem-solving and effective collaboration – that 21st-century employers look for in potential employees.
The key to this new school lies in the last word of its name. If The Learning Community – and the entire district – is to reach its maximum potential, residents of our community must get involved in the education of our children from pre-kindergarten to high school graduation. Take time to read with a child, help with a classroom project or volunteer to coach a youth sports team. Share your talents and experiences with the next generation and I promise that it will not only enrich our students’ lives, but yours as well. Call or stop by one of our school offices or the district office to find out how you can get involved.
We redesigned our district calendar this year so that it serves as a daily reminder of why the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District exists. The students featured on the pages of the calendar were selected by their teachers for exemplifying one of the 12 character traits that personify “Patriot Pride.” I encourage you to hang the calendar in a place where you will look at it often so that the faces of these children can remind you of the obligations we all have to them as the future of our community.
Broadalbin-Perth has faced many challenges in the past few years, and we know that more challenges lie ahead. But with your support, I am confident that this school district will continue to be a source of pride in our community and that we will be able to meet each and every challenge. No matter what the future might hold, I assure you that Broadalbin-Perth will never lose sight of what really matters – our children.