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August 29, 2009

So far, 2009-10 school year off to a great start in DPS

Sherry Labyer

DUNCAN — READY, SET, LEARN



We are off to a great start for the 2009-10 school year! It has been an extremely busy time for us and I think most people really have no idea what goes on in the summer to get ready for the coming school year.

Have you ever watched ants working to build an ant bed or bees working to build a hive? If so, then you can compare that level of activity with all of the tasks that we are engaged in during the summer. The custodians and maintenance workers have checked the air-conditioning, applied gallons and gallons of paint, waxed floors to achieve an incredible sheen, and have done some serious cleaning. Our transportation department has changed the oil, designed bus routes, shined the buses, put on new tires where needed, and ensured all buses are in tip-top shape. Clerks have input data; structured offices for efficiency, ordered warehouse materials, and helped teachers and administrators get organized. Our technology department has been installing new equipment, running wiring for connectivity, implementing centralized enrollment procedures, and guiding the district’s implementation of the new student data management system, Infinite Campus. The cafeteria team has created menus, ordered food and cleaned kitchens until they gleam. Teachers have organized classrooms, created bulletin boards, checked out textbooks, and learned our new student data management system, while school administrators have created schedules, hired new teachers, and designed professional development activities for staff. For district staff, idle time does not exist; we are ALL engaged in getting ready for students.

Speaking of students, we are bursting at the seams this year in kindergarten through second grade. Duncan Schools is experiencing increased enrollment, especially in the primary grades. Even though increased enrollment brings challenges, we are very pleased with the growth and stand ready to educate these students.

Another exciting statistic for Duncan Schools is the number of Academic State Champion awards that we have received over the past two years. We earned 10 academic awards in 2008 and seven in 2009. This award is based on the highest grade-point average achieved in Class 5A in extracurricular/competitive athletics. I recently read an article that points to research that students involved in extracurricular activities receive better grades than those who are not involved in extracurricular activities. In addition, activities improve the overall student by teaching him or her character-building lessons, teaching lifelong skills, saving some at-risk students who would possibly drop out of school, and helping students develop social skills.

If you ever have some spare time and would like to tour any or all of our buildings, have questions, or simply want to have a discussion about Duncan Schools, please do not hesitate to call. I am always happy to answer your questions and listen to your concerns.



— Sherry Labyer is the superintendent of Duncan Public Schools. She can be reached at 580-255-0686, Ext. 104, or via e-mail sherry.labyer@duncanpublicschools.org.

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