Dear Friday Harbor Community,
There is something special about this time of year. The long summer days are beginning to give way to the familiar rhythm of school. Teachers, students, and families are returning to familiar routines, and the entire community comes together around our most important investment, our children.
The start of each new school year is always exciting, but I am especially enthusiastic about the progress we continue to see across all our schools.Over the summer crews have busily been completing several facility projects. New siding, construction of a new storage shed, bus parking improvement, ADA accessible sidewalks, and new hot water systems in Turnbull gym are all projects to ensure our students and staff have a safe, welcoming, and functional place to learn and work. These improvements represent a significant investment in the future of our school and community. I am grateful to everyone who helped make these possible.
But as important as our buildings are, the most significant work we do happens inside them. I sincerely believe that SJISD is one of the best small school systems in the entire state. US News and World Report verifies this by ranking Friday Harbor High School in the top 10% of the state and nation. The primary reason, in my opinion, is our amazing faculty and staff.
The recognition by US News clearly identifies how we outperform the state average in the areas of math, reading, and science. Even so, what makes this place special is that we are committed to continuous improvement.Resting on our laurels is not an option. With that in mind, on August 20-21, teachers received quality professional development by attending our third annual San Juan Institute. The district realizes that due to our geography, getting staff to training sites is not only cost prohibitive but also limited by time. So, instead we bring nationally recognized speakers and trainers to the island. This year, the emphasis on day one was on social emotional learning and building interventions for students in need. We want to thank Valmark for their generous sponsorship of this training. On August 21, staff interacted with Google experts to learn how to incorporate Google suite in educational settings.
It is the collaboration with families, however, that cements the effectiveness of each child’s education. It is that shared priority that increases success.Research consistently reveals that when families are engaged in their child’s education, students are more likely to attend regularly, achieve academically, develop positive attitudes toward learning, and experience greater success.
Involvement doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Make attendance a priority
- Ask your child what he/she is learning
- Read with your child
- Create time and space for homework
- Remind them that effort, responsibility and good decisions open doors for future opportunities.
The summer has been a busy one for me, personally and professionally. As I finally took some time away from the office in late July to enjoy family during my son’s wedding, I was reminded of a quote I had heard at a conference earlier that summer.
“Don’t’ sacrifice the important on the altar of the urgent.”
In education, there is always something urgent. There is a deadline, an email, a meeting, etc. that demands our attention. But sometimes the things that matter most aren’t urgent.
- A conversation with a student.
- Taking the time to listen for a few more minutes.
- A teacher or parent asking, “how was your day?”
These moments may never appear on a calendar or show up on a to-do list, but they are the moments that have the most lasting impact. In our school we want to always remember the most important thing we can give each child is dignity. Every student deserves to be known, respected, listened to, and treated as someone who matters. This is the prerequisite to academic achievement. Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It occurs when students work, teachers remain committed, families stay engaged, and the entire community believes in what is possible for their children.
The annual county fair is now behind us. The backpacks with school supplies are now out. Students, we are ready for you. Bring your curiosity, your questions, your challenges, your successes, and your best effort. Together we can accomplish great things this year.
Fred Woods
Superintendent
San Juan Island School District