It is both an honor and a pleasure to begin serving in the role of Superintendent for the Marion Independent School District. The MISD Mission states: ‘The MISD in partnership with parents and the community will create a safe environment where each learner is nurtured to become successful’. There are many great things happening at MISD that are focused on this mission.
The school year ended with celebrations for the senior class of 2019. Of particular note for the graduating class from Marion High School, they collectively accumulated a total of 12,986 volunteer hours and earned 1,100 college credits during high school. The Marion Home School Assistance Program also culminated the year with a new record for the largest number of students, 90 in total, completing their K-12 education!
Summer renovation projects will be wrapping up soon with major projects to include re-roofing a section of Marion High School as well as HVAC projects at both Starry and Francis Marion that will update the system and allow students and staff to return to air conditioned buildings. Additionally, the capital campaign, a joint endeavor of the Marion School Foundation, the Marion Board of Education, and the Athletic Booster Club, led to significant upgrades in the HS auditorium and the Les Hipple Athletic Complex which were enjoyed throughout the spring and summer athletic seasons.
As teachers and students return for the 2019-2020 school year, the District will continue a focus on student engagement with ongoing professional development for staff, and integrating technology and blended learning principles into the classroom. Teachers are eager to implement a new math curriculum at the PK-6 grade levels (Everyday Math 4) and a new social-emotional learning curriculum in PK-8 (Second Step). Marion High School continues to expand the opportunities for career and technical education, including a nursing certification program offered on-site in partnership with Kirkwood, with a total of 6 students who passed the CNA certification during the 2018-19 school year. Additionally, Hupp Electric provided a certified welder to offer training for MHS students toward a welding certification, which will continue into the 2019-20 school year. The District is grateful for these learning opportunities for MISD students made possible through the tremendous support from these and other partners in education.
Partnering In Education,
Janelle Brouwer