"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today."-
     Elbert Hubbard
 
School bells will be ringing on August 13--just over a month away. Often the public thinks activities slow down during the summer break and there is some truth to this perception. However, there is much to be accomplished during the summer break which allows students, educators, and yes, parents, a reprieve from homework, testing, and the hustle and bustle of activities during the school year. For some, it is a time for rejuvenation and summer vacation. 
 
However, for others, much time is spent making preparations for the upcoming school year.  With the retirements and resignations of employees within the school system, there is an effort to recruit teachers, support personnel, and administrators to fill the vacancies that remain.  Professional learning activities continue for most educators. Central office staff members and school administrators busy themselves updating policies and student handbooks for the upcoming school year.  Calendars are prepared identifying important events to remember.  Data analyses of student scores occur with action plans written in an effort to improve school and district performance scores. Much planning occurs during the summer months which allows for structure and continuity. 
 
This summer, there has also been an additional focus area. Thanks to the taxpayers and voters of St. Martin Parish, there is a lot of construction happening across the school district.  Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the completion of the St. Martin Parish School Board's Department of Administration Building. The beautiful facility that is located on Corporate Boulevard in Breaux Bridge has an expected occupancy date of August 1.  The initial anticipated move-in date of July 1 was delayed.  However, I learned a long time ago that "patience is a virtue" and "good things come to those who wait!"  The Central Office Staff and School Board will definitely be excited to occupy the new dwelling. 
 
Other exciting news is Parks Middle will be receiving four new classrooms. The gymnasium will receive a "sprucing-up" prior to the start of school.  The administrative office at Parks Primary will be receiving a "make-over." The 2013 Bond Program funds are being expended throughout the parish with new classrooms at Cecilia Jr. High and Cecilia High.  Breaux Bridge High is also scheduled to have new classrooms. Breaux Bridge Jr. High, with the addition of sixth grade in the 2015-2016 school year, will have new classrooms.  Additionally, construction is underway at the Breaux Bridge Primary site making available grades 4-5 for the 2015-2016 school year.  Breaux Bridge Primary School will officially house grades Pre-K to 2 and grades 3-5 will occupy Breaux Bridge Elementary School.  Both schools will operate as separate schools on the same site.  Breaux Bridge Jr. High will be reconfigured to house grades 6-8 aligning to the middle school configuration.   There are other projects that are underway in the district; the aforementioned projects are merely a glimpse of the activities occurring within the St. Martin Parish School System. 
 
In closing, I want to encourage you to continue to enjoy your summer break.  When the school bells ring, we will be ready to make great things happen within our schools and the district! TOGETHER WE CAN!