As we enter the half way point of the 2008-09 school year, I would like to share some observations I have experienced that illustrate the outstanding partnerships and community service offered by our students, staff and parents of the RLAS-116 community. Earlier last month the annual Chili Supper that was held at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center involved student and parent volunteers of all ages, community agencies including the Round Lake Exchange Club and BEST. The funds that were generated from this event will remain in the communities and schools to help support other programs and initiatives. This type of interagency and intergenerational cooperation is a fantastic example of the positive quality of life in the communities of Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park and Hainesville.
A second example of exemplary cooperation was the recent George Watson Memorial Rotary Children’s Holiday program. Whether it was the donation of materials and goods from local businesses or the donation of money and resources from students, parent-teacher organizations, individuals or outside companies, the magnitude and immediacy of the response to help sustain this valuable holiday program was unbelievable. The children of not only the Round Lake communities but also the surrounding communities had the benefit of these efforts. Volunteers cooperated to provide the children with a most memorable, happy and positive holiday experience.
To be effective, schools need the support of parents and community. These two examples illustrate the success for RLAS-116 and the Round Lake Area communities and interagency cooperation.
I encourage parents and community members to continue to look for opportunities to participate in school events and for specific ways to support our children’s schools. I encourage parents and community members to look to volunteer to help in the classroom. Consider offering to speak in a child’s class about a special hobby or special area of expertise. Parents, families and other community members should try to become as involved as possible in the education of children in this community. Whatever the level of involvement, if we are able to accomplish a higher level of participation, we will make a difference in our children’s lives. One of the formulas that has proven successful in many high achieving school system communities is SCHOOLS + COMMUNITIES = SUCCESS.
Sincerely,
Ben Martindale, Chief Executive Officer