Thank You

Words cannot express the gratitude I have for our USD 429 staff, students and parents for their support and flexibility as we work through these challenging times in our lives.  In the last two weeks we have all had to make sacrifices and changes in our daily lives that we thought we could not do.  We have made those changes and adjustments and will continue to do so.  

Mr. Estes, our 7-12 grade students principal, has lead his staff on a  journey and have flipped education in a positive way where students and teachers can still communicate while finishing up some important concepts that they will need for next year.  Thank you Mr. Estes and the 7-12 staff.  The Troy Grade School teachers and staff have reached out to parents these past two weeks in a way we thought could never happen.  As we know now, this will be a standard when we return to normal schooling.  Our building and district support staff of Janel Anderson, Harley Franken, Traci Ferris, and Shanna Smith have helped field phone calls that ranged from forgotten books to forgotten passwords and simple reassurance that it will be okay.  We are fortunate we have these individuals in these key roles in our district.  Our custodial and maintenance crew of Brian Clary, Laura Winkel, Amy Smith, Kathy Smith, and Tom Jenkins have continued to work to make sure the school is clean and still functional.  Our unsung heroes who have not complained once about still coming to work.  Jessica Meyer, our OPAA! food service director is continuing to make sure we still have an opportunity to feed students.  And 429 parents, thank you!  We have asked you to do more than we ever have.  We want to help you through this process.  

We have a staff that wants to do right by kids and school community.  I can't tell you I know what next week will bring.  If someone does know, please tell me.  But I do know we will continue to work and support your children with our continuous learning plan and reaching out daily and weekly to see what help you might need.  Let's get through this first week.  Thanks again for your patience.    

Sincerely,

Patrick E. McKernan

Superintendent of Schools