Each year, April is set aside as a military child appreciation month, officially known as the Month of the Military Child. While military members serve around the world, we often forget the challenges faced by their children. Military families move on average every two to three years, impacting military children through changing schools and support networks. Therefore, Month of the Military Child is set aside to recognize military children for their sacrifice and bravery. On Friday, April 19, we observed Purple Up Day, a special day of recognition for military children. We encouraged all students and staff to wear the color purple as a symbol of support for military kids and their families. The color purple was chosen as it is a combination of the colors of all branches of the military. Purple Up Day serves to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by military children. It is an opportunity for everyone to show their appreciation and support for these brave young people, and to recognize their service and sacrifices for our country.
The end of the school year is a month away. Our students are preparing for a strong finish academically as well as enjoying spring sports and planning for the next school year. State-required spring assessments are completed for students in grades 3-8. These students will also take STAR Reading and STAR Math assessments before the year ends. Assessment results help us identify specific areas(s) in which each child needs additional support as well as any curriculum standards that need additional focus in our classrooms. The data also helps us plan professional development activities during the summer and over the course of the school year. The ultimate goal of this work is to maximize our students’ ability to achieve academic success, thus preparing them for success in school and in life.
Spring sports are in full swing with a soccer, softball, and/or baseball game being played around the district several days each week. Track and basketball have just finished their seasons, and football spring practice is already underway. Cheerleading tryouts for the 2024-2025 school year have been completed in all four communities, and squads are already preparing for conditioning, practices, and summer camps. Our high schools have recently held their junior-senior proms, a highlight of the year for our oldest students. Finally, high school graduation ceremonies are just over a month away and signal the successful completion of a 13-year long career in public education.
Finally, we are already busy planning for the 2024-2025 school year. From staffing to curriculum and professional development, we constantly strive for “Every student empowered ~ every student succeeds!”
Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.
