Goodbyes and New Beginnings
First, the Goodbyes
It is impossible to end a school year without saying and hearing “goodbye:” of course, to students whom we met before many reached the age of 5, and watched as each grew throughout their 13-year educational journey. Then, there’s the sharing of memories and best wishes with staff members who this year ended their professional careers. Expressions of goodbye often evoke a few tears, a little sadness, and others bring wide smiles as accomplishments are celebrated and retirement plans are revealed. Before I forget, I hope everyone caught a glimpse of the Carpets by Otto digital billboard (that faces I-475 in Holland) that features images of our graduates.
A special thanks goes out to Dee Weik for both the willingness to continue this tradition that began with the Class of 2020 and her personal efforts to create the slides. She and Kristina White work very hard to make this happen for our students and their families, and it is another special effort that sets apart our district from most others in the area. Although space doesn’t allow me to list the names of each graduate, I can share those of the professional staff who officially became Spring-field retirees this school year. They are: Julie Bick, Cheri Copeland-Shull, Dorianne Cox, Kelly Gargas, Francine Gibson, Lisa Holden, Shirlee Ingram, Roger Lemle, Rick Rinestine, Linda Russell, Rick Shoemaker, Ron Smith, Vanorian Taylor and Kathy Zeitler. These individuals brought their very best to work everyday. They helped students learn and provided safe environments for that learning; they fed minds and bellies. Whether it was in their official title or not, each coached students. They were all great colleagues, and the district will not be the same without each of these professionals. Their experience exceeds hundreds upon hundreds of years, and their departure avails our students to new professionals who understand what is expected of them as Springfield employees. That is the legacy created by our retirees.
New Beginnings
As has been shared many times before, the demographics of the greater-Springfield community, historic/current enrollment data, even birth rates within the county have been studied for more than five years. The residential growth in our area has leveled-off, and the district concluded that the best way to serve our families is to take advantage of our existing facilities, the talents of educators and available resources by reconfiguring the current buildings. Our youngest students will receive their education in one of three preK through grade three schools (Crissey, Dorr and Holloway) and one grade four and five (Holland Intermediate).
When will all this happen? This elementary school reconfiguration, which will occur with the start of the 2022-23 school year in August, was first announced to families in the district’s May 2021 newsletter. Since that time, regular updates have been offered by me and each building principal. In addition, special email addresses have been created for families to get answers; meetings have been held with parent leaders from each school to assist with the sharing of information; a dedicated page was created on the district website (which provides an interactive map and links to all updates); open houses also have been held, so families can become familiar and excited for all that awaits at their new schools. The moving of equipment and materials began as soon as the students left for their summer break, and we have detailed plans and staff in place to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. It promises to be a very busy summer for our staff and volunteers–but we believe it will be worth the effort. Visit springfield-schools.org for additional details on timing and plans.
How to get more information? We mentioned above that to assist with questions, we’ve created a designated information page on the website. This includes the interactive map that you can explore by street address to help in determining which preK through third grade school a child might attend. It also offers floor plans and details about the reconfiguration. There are some answers that will be shared closer to the start of the school year–just like in past years. Class lists, bus routes and similar details are always works in progress and vary due to student enrollments that take place throughout the summer and start in the new school year. That is why it is so important to help the district and encourage neighbors to enroll all eligible students as soon as possible. Finally, anyone wishing to discuss specific questions is always encouraged to contact their building principal or send an email to:
reconfiguration_crissey@springfield-schools.org
reconfiguration_dorr@springfield-schools.org
reconfiguration_holland@springfield-schools.org
reconfiguration_holloway@springfield-schools.org
So, join me in one final, heartfelt goodbye to those who have or will leave during the summer months. Join me, too, in the feelings of excitement as their legacies of excellence spill over into all that awaits for #springfieldstrong.
