Board of Education President Anne Hamming reminded staff that just one caring adult makes a difference in the life of child. “They just need someone who cares. So give them full attention. Notice them even when they seem like they don’t want to be noticed.”
She said well-run schools are a buffer for families. “We build a buffer by building a community at school where we all have a sense of belonging and purpose,” she said. “Take good care of one another. Do what we are made to do – care about each other. Remember your heart for kids and have a great year.”
She also welcomed new staff to the district. “You are now part of our TK family. We will invest in you and we expect great things from you,” she said.
Lani Forbes from the Barry County United Way and Annie Halle from Barry Community Foundation and Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation thanked the TK staff for their support of all the programs.
Forbes said in the past year, 10,000 times students and families in the TK district have been able to access assistance through United Way programs. Those include 216 families who received utility assistance.
“Kids struggle if they don’t have electricity to shower and wash their clothes; do homework or access the internet,” she said.
United Way also helps with the Backpack Program where 76 students from TK were signed up to receive new backpacks and supplies for school. And last year, 4,800 people got food assistance.
Forbes reminded everyone that 100 percent of all donations to the Barry County United Way go directly to assisting families in need. All United Way administrative costs are covered through a generous endowment.
“I’m excited for my kids. I’m excited for the way we’re able to help and I want to thank you for giving to the Barry County United Way programs,” she said.
Annie Halle said the Barry Community Foundation works as a partner with TK Schools. “The way the community supports our students to make them successful is a great partnership,” she said. “You make a difference.”
While TK graduation rates are more than 92 percent, the percentage of Barry County students completing post secondary educations is only about 18 percent. She said a new program being initiated this year called “Be the Change” will assist post-secondary students financially land with mentorships to help them navigate through their higher educations.
She said the partnership with the TAEF is very strong. This year, TAEF awarded 120 scholarships to TK students and supported classroom teachers with $22,000 in grants. They continue working with the KickStart to Career program to start the seeds of saving for the future.
Superintendent Rob Blitchok added his welcome to all the staff. “This is very exciting for me and I’m happy to see everyone here,” he said.
He outlined three main goals for the year:
- Student growth and achievement as outlined in the mission statement “Encouraging and Developing the Greatest Potential of Each student.” Everything we do is for that mission statement. That’s why we exist,” said Blitchok.
- Implementing the Strategic Plan – The board and community members have worked hard to come up with the strategic plan to guide the district for the next five years.
- Bond Question in November – The board of education approved seeking a $43 million bond to continue meeting the facility needs of the growing district.
“Our facilities are wonderful. People want to be in TK but we are getting full. It’s a good problem to have. It’s imperative that we maintain our infrastructure and plan for the future,” he said.
He outlined several parts of the bond proposal and encouraged all staff members living in the district to vote Nov. 5.