September 2010

Dear Parents and Community Members,

I am pleased to report that our school year is off to a great start. Our students returned from their summer break energized about the promise of a new year, the challenge of a new grade level, and the opportunity to see old friends and meet new ones. Our faculty arrived refreshed, energized and committed to the academic, social and personal growth of all students. The 2010-2011 MJSD staff is a mix of new and veteran teachers who give of themselves beyond all expectations. Their desire to see their students succeed goes a long way in helping students become successful lifelong learners.

Our aim this year is not just to be a good school system but a great one. Great schools dare to care; they offer a future and a hope; teach young people to dream and show them how to make these dreams a reality. Great schools believe that every single student is talented in some way. They say to their students: "You can be someone if you are prepared to work for it." Good schools do things well; great schools have the buzz of excellence. Our on-going commitment to progressive and sustainable change is what sets us apart.

There is a high level of parent and community involvement at each of the Menasha schools. MJSD has very active parent organizations whose members are dedicated to helping provide a quality education for all students. We encourage all parents to get involved in their child’s education by helping out at any of our many school activities. In a recent study of factors that improve student performance, parental involvement had the greatest impact of all. Your child’s success depends on your involvement!

At MJSD, we highly value communication with you and endeavor to make every effort to keep effective and open communication on-going throughout the school year. Our school website, at www.mjsd.k12.wi.us, includes important dates and school information. All teachers have email and voicemail to make it easy for you to communicate with them. Staff email addresses are typically last name, first initial @mjsd.k12.wi.us.

Menasha is a great place to live and learn and I promise to do all that I can do to ensure that every student and staff member has a positive, productive, and memorable year. I look forward to serving the community of Menasha as well as the MJSD. Should you wish to speak with me personally on any matter, please call the district office at 967-1403.

Thank you, and have a GREAT year as we continue the improvements you demand from a quality school system.

Robert Kobylski, Ed.D.

District Administrator