As we close out the year at Willmar Public Schools and I transition from Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent on July 1, 2024, I am filled with pride for our students and staff. It is with deep gratitude that I share this reflection.
Operating Levy and Bond Referendum
On November 7, 2023, our community made a powerful statement about the value of education. We were delighted to announce that both Question 1, the operating levy generating $3,000,000 annually, and Question 2, the $6.1 million bond referendum for new physical education space at the middle school, were approved. This marked a crucial step forward for Willmar Public Schools.
Standards-Based Learning Work
At Willmar Public Schools, we were and will continue to be dedicated to balancing various teaching methodologies to enhance student learning. Our focus included mastery-based learning, trauma-informed instruction, and “all means all” teaching.
Mastery-Based Learning: This approach allows students to progress at their own pace, ensuring a deep understanding of each topic before moving forward. It supports an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Trauma-Informed Instruction: Recognizing that students have diverse backgrounds and experiences, our educators create safe, supportive, and understanding classrooms, helping students feel safe and ready to learn.
“All Means All” Teaching: This method acknowledges and values each student's background by incorporating differentiated materials and perspectives into the curriculum, fostering engagement and appreciation of diversity.
Building Proficiency Scales and Standards-Based Learning: We developed clear expectations for student learning, providing a roadmap that guided teaching and assessment. This project was supported by ten dedicated memoranda of understanding days over the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Our teaching staff and principals made remarkable progress in these areas.
By integrating these approaches, we aim to create a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment that meets the needs of every student at Willmar Public Schools.
Embracing Diversity: Lessons from A Children’s Book
Like all years, I dove back into elementary classrooms to read which was a highlight for me. This year, I Want to be Spaghetti by Kiera Wright-Ruiz caught my eye. The story’s message about the beauty of being oneself won me over, proving the age-old lesson: never judge a book by its cover. The theme of acceptance resonated deeply with our students. Each year I offer the teachers this opportunity, and I was welcomed by 40 classrooms this year. It’s always a blast!
Honoring Our Retiring Superintendent
Finally, I want to recognize our retiring superintendent, Dr. Jeff Holm. During my time as superintendent at New London-Spicer, I got to know Dr. Holm well. We often communicated about the weather, and through these conversations, I became familiar with his sense of humor. Over the past two years, I’ve learned how important ethics and character are to Dr. Holm. He led with integrity and a commitment to doing what was right. Willmar Public Schools has been in good hands under his leadership. It is now my job to carry that forward, and I take this responsibility very seriously. I wish Dr. Holm the best in all his future endeavors and look forward to leading this great district.
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to an exciting future for Willmar Public Schools.
