School year went fast for Mt. Hall and Naples elementary schools
With the end of the school year right around the corner, I find myself amazed at how quickly this school year went. Since the beginning, the emphasis has always been on learning, and so much learning has taken place. From kindergarten to fifth grade, the students will soon be leaving for summer with their brains full of knowledge and hearts full from all the relationships they had made over the past year. Next year is going to bring a lot of change to Naples and Mount Hall, and although change can be hard, change can also be good. I’m excited at the thought of next year. When I began my principalship, I was looking at the school year on a month-to-month basis. Now as I look to next year, I’m seeing the big picture. I know there is still plenty to learn about my job, but I’m excited to embark on next year with my new knowledge. Before I get too far ahead of myself, I need to stay present and reflect on what an exciting month May had been.
Both schools finished their ISAT testing, and the students did a great job. We all know that this assessment is only one measure of what students know, and all we asked of students was to give their best, and they did. This month has brought a lot of exciting adventures and opportunities to Mount Hall and Naples. Naples 3rd and 4th graders got to go explore the Wildlife Refuge; the 5th graders got to attend a concert by Sandpoint Music Festival, and Kindergarten got to go visit the library and then picnic at the fairgrounds. Exciting things are coming for 2nd and 3rd grade. They are going to travel to Sandpoint at the beginning of June to tour the Creamery, and see which persuasive essay “What Ice Cream Flavor Should We Make Next” won. Mount Hall has had a lot of exciting things happening too. 5th grade was able to attend the same concert with Naples; 3rd grade explored the Refuge; Kindergarten went on a big field trip to Moose Valley Farms, Super One, and the Fairgrounds; 1st and 2nd grade traveled to Canada and visited their wildlife refuge; and 4th grade received a special presentation from the incredible group, Birds of Prey. Mount Hall had their Jog-A-Thon, and it was a huge success. Naples has their Jog-A-Thon scheduled for this Thursday. A big thank you goes out to all of you who sponsored the students, and the staff and PTO for putting on this fun event.
Besides saying goodbye to our 5th graders, Mount Hall and Naples also have a few other goodbyes to say as well. Jenny Mackey, counselor at Naples and Mount Hall, was hired on as a Career and Future Planning Counselor at Bonners Ferry High School. Bethany Cavender, Title One Paraprofessional at Naples, will be taking a brief hiatus as she embarks on her student teaching at Mount Hall. Nadine Colegrove, Music/Art/PE teacher at Naples, will be pursuing her passion for culinary arts and working down in Sandpoint. And, Janet Gause, Special Education teacher at Mount Hall, will be retiring after 27 years of teaching. These ladies will be missed. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work with all of them. Naples and Mount Hall wish them the best of luck as they embark on their new careers and adventures.
This summer will bring some exciting programs to our community. Naples Elementary is offering a Summer Reading Camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Any student can come and hang out for the day. Lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided. Mount Hall Elementary is offering Migrant Summer School again. Although the summer school is only open to Migrant students, there will be breakfast, lunch, and dinner offered to any child (1-18) free of charge.
The last day of school is June 9th, and it will be here before we know it. Thank you for all your support throughout the year. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my job as Naples and Mount Hall Principal. Until next year, Go Wolverines! And Go Wildcats!