Tiger Talk: Endless possibilities add excitement to a new school year

Every August and September brings the feeling of a new beginning for schools in so many ways.

Our buildings and grounds staff have everything sparkling like new. Teachers have fresh bulletin boards and welcome signs to greet students and families.

The principals and directors have hired and trained new teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, cooks and custodians. We say hello to a new kindergarten class, transfer students and returning students.

This year feels just a little different. There is a little more excitement as we move further away from COVID-19 and look toward the endless possibilities this new beginning brings.

The Pine River-Backus School District welcomed 17 new staff members, 62 new kindergarten students and a new look to the cafeteria.

The strategic planning that began last spring has continued with the fine-tuning of the six identified benchmark areas: Review of Regional Factors, Facility Needs, Safe Environment and Consistent Discipline, Course Offerings for Life Skill Needs, Staff Training and Development, and Student Achievement.

Learn more about our strategic plan and benchmark focus areas at prbschools.org >> about >> mission & strategic plan.

In moving forward toward our goals, PR-B has added a curriculum director to take a new and fresh look at our educational practices and procedures. A brand new teacher orientation and mentorship program was developed for our newly hired teachers.

We have also upgraded our security measures and protocols.

If you haven’t checked out Pine River-Backus Schools before, or it has been a while since you have, please visit our website at www.prbschools.org . Or, drive by our buildings, turning at the new PR-B digital sign on Highway 371.

Go Tigers!

Jonathan Clark is the Pine River-Backus School District superintendent.