Wow, just a week and a half before winter break! This year is flying by quickly. I am happy to report that our teachers, staff, and kids have been working extremely hard to improve academic achievement. We have many people participating in learning walks throughout the district and the reports coming back are very positive. As we continue on this path, we will see more and more students reaching proficiency. It has been a great first semester as our students continue to shine.

The Bryan Station High School 2006-2007 girls’ soccer team finished seventh in the nation and first in the state for team GPA! The honor was recently announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. The team’s accomplishment is a great example of what it means to be student athletes.

Last week, we wrapped up our district wide celebrations of student success by handing out the last of our Academic Achievement Awards. The awards were given to students that scored all “distinguished” on the CATS test. 1,800 kids were recognized during the months of November and December for this honor (as compared to 375 for this same honor last year). Several local businesses pitched in and showed their support for our students by contributing door prizes, including Dell, Inc., who donated several lap top computers. Winburn Middle School seventh-grader William Keplinger was one of the lucky students that won a laptop. Instead of keeping it for himself, William donated it to a school in the district! Now, hundreds of kids will be able to use it instead of just one!

On a personal note, Sam has been real sick since his surgery and has been back in the hospital twice and put on IV's. He is home now resting and seems to be getting better but his back legs are still paralyzed. The vet says it could take several weeks before he will walk again so we haven't given up hope. Thanks to all for your good wishes and we will continue to keep you posted on his progress.

Wishing each of you happy holidays! Get some rest over the break … you deserve it!