Calhoun County students, parents, and citizens:
As we begin a new school year, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our students to learn, grow and achieve academic, athletic and extracurricular success. I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with and lead the staff of educational professionals who teach in and lead our schools.
We look forward to welcoming students back to school on August 14. District staff has worked tirelessly this summer to prepare our facilities for a safe, productive learning environment.
We were recently notified that the Calhoun County School District was awarded Accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The application for SACS accreditation occurs every five years and is designed to help educational institutions boost their ongoing performance efforts for the benefit of their students. Accreditation by SACS is an honor and distinction that recognizes the tremendous competitive and performance gains afforded our students through the Calhoun County School system.
A few changes to school policy should be noted, particularly the attendance policy and a new policy related to energy drinks. I would encourage parents and students to review the code of conduct for the specifics of the new attendance policy. It is important for students to be in attendance at school to ensure mastery of the concepts delivered by the teachers.
Recent media coverage has brought increased awareness to possible dangers of excessive consumption of energy drinks by young people. While the sale and consumption of energy drinks are not age-restricted, the Calhoun County School Board determined the possession and consumption of energy drinks on campus was not conducive to a productive classroom experience and learning environment. Therefore, the new code of conduct contains a policy that does not allow the possession or consumption of energy drinks on school campuses. ESPN recently highlighted the impact of energy drinks and it may be helpful to take the time to view their report at http://espn.go.com/high-school/football/video/clip?id=6596911.
We look forward to a great year ahead and we thank you for entrusting your child’s education to the leadership and staff of Calhoun County schools.
Ralph Yoder
Superintendent of Calhoun County Schools
Check out the Back to School Guide in this week's print edition for all the school faculty lists and messages from principals.
