Superintendent's Message

Dear Residents:

            For the past several weeks, I have been getting acquainted with the Class of 2020. Throughout the past month, I have visited every kindergarten classroom in the district.  We have had a great time together.  During my visits, I have shared stories by one of my favorite children’s authors, Mr. Robert Munch.  Mr. Munch’s books have great appeal because he has an uncanny ability to turn stories about “sassy” children into books that seem to delight children of all ages. 

            There are many benefits to these visits.  First, inspiring a love of reading is perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give children.  After sharing three of Mr. Munch’s stories, I leave a copy of my favorite, “Mortimer.”  Inevitably, “Mortimer” turns out to be the children’s favorite as well.  There is no doubt in my mind that after I leave children can’t wait to read, sing, and act out the story again and again.  Mortimer is one of those books that makes kids want to join “The Literacy Club;” that is, to become an active reader who can’t imagine life without books!

            I have to admit, one of the reasons for these visits is purely selfish.  Spending time in classrooms allows me to have direct contact with children.  Any day I get to spend time with the students of L’Anse Creuse Public Schools is a great day!  Far too often, my days get filled with meetings and appointments focused on the “business” of education.  Obviously, these meetings are important but spending time with children reminds me of the “heart” of education.

            Although my visits are just 30 minutes long, they also remind me of the challenges our teachers face in their efforts to meet the diverse needs of their students, the tremendous amount of energy that effective teaching requires, and the level of commitment that makes the difference between “good” teaching and “great” teaching.  I left the classroom two decades ago and these reminders keep me in touch with the practical aspect of education.

            And finally, spending time with the Class of 2020 provides me with the unique opportunity to take a peek at the future.  As I look into the eyes of my kindergarten audience, I see children with hope, excitement, anticipation, and tremendous potential.  I see children who will become our doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, artists, entertainers, car designers, engineers, nurses, rocket scientists; the list goes on and on.  I see children who will one day lead our nation and our world. I am reminded of how important our jobs are and how crucial it is that we provide opportunities and experiences that will enable the Class of 2020 to learn, grow, and become all that they are capable of being. 

            Spending time in kindergarten classrooms these past several weeks has been a great investment.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Class of 2020, and I’m pretty sure they enjoyed their time with me. 

Sincerely,

DiAnne Pellerin, Superintendent

P.S.  If you live with a kindergartener, ask him/her to sing Mortimer’s bedtime song to you.