Our opening of the new school year has been terrific. The positive energy that surrounds each of our schools is contagious. During the past two years we have experienced an increase in student enrollment, especially at New Brighton Middle School. New Brighton’s enrollment has increased over one hundred student beyond projections. We are delighted that parents throughout our community are selecting New Brighton Middle School for their children. It is without question that the academic rigor and nurturing student environment at New Brighton is truly a major drawing card.
Under the leadership of Principal Craig Broadhurst and his administrative team of Mr. Randall Simms, Associate Principal/Counselor, Mr. Andrew Wright, Assistant Principal and staff members, they have created an innovative environment that allow middle school age students opportunities to explore various interests (clubs) and to be highly educated in a very safe setting.
One of the major draws at New Brighton Middle School is providing a place where students can explore Science (Robotics), Technology, Journalism, Arts, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and Geometry. The core success of New Brighton Middle School is the exceptional staff that builds bridges for the nurturing of their students and at the same time demands academic rigor. We are extremely pleased that our students are entering New Brighton Middle School highly prepared to be academically challenged.
The staff at New Brighton has truly created an educational setting second to none. These innovative educators are constantly seeking new and creative strategies that will excite their students through an interactive learning environment. Their high expectations are preparing the next group of leaders. It is also wonderful to see a situation where middle school students are playful and excited to be in school.
I spend a tremendous amount of time at New Brighton throughout the school year. I am amazed at the friendly environment that exists throughout the school and the acceptance of diversity among the student body. It is exciting to see our students engage in a healthy environment with outstanding adult role models that continue to support the developmental stages of adolescence.
During the past three years we have made significant changes at New Brighton Middle School. Given the significant increase in enrollment that is occurring from children of parents who are entering our district for the first time at the middle school grade level, we believe that we are on the right track.
As we continue to explore different programs at New Brighton Middle School, a major supporter of these changes is our Board of Trustees. Under the leadership of Board President Sandra Wallace and Trustees Judy McGooden, Phil Rodriguez, Tory Del Favero and Amanda Jackson Miller, we have received unequivocal support in exploring programs in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Having major support for continuous innovative instruction by school board members is fantastic. Our school board members align with our commitment to prepare our next generation of leaders for the 21st Century. They receive monthly presentations about school programs from our principals.
We are fortunate to have school board members who are very knowledgeable about the current programs and innovative teaching that is occurring at our school sites. As Superintendent I continue to be highly impressed with the stellar performance of our Board of Trustees. We have made major changes throughout our district and these changes are directly in line with our Board’s commitment to highly educate all students.