Superintendent of schools welcomes back students

On behalf of district administration and staff, I look forward to welcoming our students back for the 2012-2013 school year. The custodians have worked hard to make sure the schools are warm and inviting places to learn and teach, and we are ready and eagerly awaiting the arrival of students on the first day of school, Sept. 4.

You will notice some program changes, perhaps most notably the redesigned gifted, talented and enrichment

program on the elementary level that will reach many more students. In addition, the enhanced middle school summer reading program will more

closely connect with the classroom in the fall and there will be the final expansion of the Academy Program, which integrates career-oriented learning in STEM/Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences and Global Business and Law, into all four grades at the high school.

This continues to be a time of financial difficulty for education, and Baldwin is no exception. However, we are making every dollar in the school budget count and partnering with parents and the community to continue to build upon our successes. Please join us in a Parent Academy Workshop with the Baldwin Council of PTAs and local businesses for the Family Wellness Fair on October 3, a free interactive workshop for

parents and students to optimize health and well-being. Look for the flyer on the district website in the next few weeks.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you in September.

Dr. James Mapes

Superintendent of Schools