Michael Grego
Supt., Osceola Co.

For educators, parents and students alike, the start of each new school year brings a tremendous sense of optimism and excitement. The Osceola County School District was proud to unite the community and our more than 6,500 employees this past Tuesday for a Welcome Back Rally in celebration and anticipation of an outstanding school year. Through the generous support of our title sponsor, The Education Foundation — Osceola County, along with the Osceola County Commission and the Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union, our teachers, administrators and professional support staff employees were able to gather together at no cost to the School District for a motivational morning focused on success and making a positive difference.

 

The event opened with a “parade of champions” recognizing our school and district leaders and only got better as Richard Ramsey touched our hearts by emphasizing the importance of caring for and educating all students. The program was capped off by over 30 employees from all job classifications — bus drivers, principals, secretaries, and others, singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.” It was a perfect morning to kick-off a great year, showing that our wonderful community supports its teachers and schools and truly values a quality education for our children.

As our school doors open to more than 52,000 students Monday, I assure you that everything is in place for student success. I have visited many Osceola County schools and worked closely with our principals, teachers and district administrators who have been diligently planning and preparing over the summer. Our bus drivers are ready to deliver students safely to and from school. Our school buildings are clean and safe, ensuring students have a healthy learning environment. Our school cafeterias are set to provide nutritious meals so that students can learn. Most importantly, our teachers and administrators are better prepared to meet the needs of our students, having been involved in a tremendous amount of summer training and professional development.

I believe that students should be the driving force behind every decision made by a school district. In this era driven by accountability, we are responsible for the academic success of each and every student. Be assured that the entire School District family takes this responsibility very seriously, and our test results prove that we are a school system on the move.

Throughout the 2010-11 school year, I know you will

see many more examples of achievement in action. Stay tuned for a rewarding and productive new school year.

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Osceola County School District.