Has it really been a year? That’s the question I’ve been asking over the last couple of weeks as I reflect on the 2017-2018 school year.
What a great year it has been! From the completion of the $9-million bond project, to our SAVE club being nationally recognized, the year was topped off as our own CHS choir sang at Carnegie Hall. Factor in our fifth grade Columbian-Progress newspaper staff, the addition of the Treble Makers at the primary school and the eighth grade football team going undefeated, what a year!
Although we are not where we want to be as a school system, and there is much that can be improved, I am continually impressed with the community-wide respect that we are afforded as educators. Taxpayers support us, parents encourage us and our students join us each day ready and eager to learn.
I tell others that Columbia School District is an outstanding organization because teachers, administrators and support staff have collectively agreed to roll up their sleeves and do their work in a serious and professional manner. As a district we push our children academically, we expect them to behave properly and we invest ourselves in helping them learn everything from basic grammar to advanced coding.
As we prepare for the 2018-2019 school year, I look forward to the new opportunities and challenges ahead. I welcome our youngest Wildcats as we start four new, quality pre-kindergarten classes. I am excited as we finish our one-to-one computer initiative, with every Columbia School District student having their own personal learning device. Columbia was one of 13 school districts awarded K-8 STEM grants that will support the implementation of science, technology, engineering and math activities in classrooms and coursework at Columbia Primary, Columbia Elementary and Jefferson Middle. In addition, Columbia High continues to increase offerings of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrolment classes.
Enjoy the rest of summer break. Relax, read a good book, and enjoy your families and friends. The central office will be open and you are encouraged to stop by and say hello. Lastly, the Columbia School District car tags are now available at all tax collectors’ offices throughout the state. Please consider supporting the Wildcats by purchasing a car tag.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Aug. 6!
Jason Harris is superintendent of the Columbia School District. He may be reached at jharris@columbiaschools.org.
