Editor’s note: Dr. Daniel Shakespeare contributed this letter to parents for this week’s installment of Bulldog Bytes, a weekly feature about Andalusia High School written by teachers and students on a rotating basis.

Dear Parents:

By now you have received the most important word about how this school year has begun — the informal reports given to you from your son or daughter. The faculty and staff at Andalusia Jr. High School and Andalusia High School hope those reports are positive. We hope you feel that the school year has begun well for your child.

It seems to us at AJHS and AHS that classes have begun smoothly and that these first few weeks have been a fine beginning of what should be a productive school year. The students have been most cooperative.

The seventh graders have adjusted easily to their new surroundings and schedules and are a friendly presence in the school. The seniors, enjoying being the top dogs on campus, have made an excellent start in terms of leadership, school pride, academic work, and overall behavior.

Band and chorus have been organized and, now that students have settled into their class routines, student activities such as football, volleyball, and various clubs are moving into operations.

As you may know, our theme this year is “I Choose Not To Be Average.” As educators we are blessed with the opportunity to influence young people, to encourage their thinking and make a difference in their lives. Yet we, educators and parents alike, must all stop to reflect upon whether or not the impact we are having is a positive one, even an inspiring one. Are we each making an extraordinary difference?

 

Dr. Daniel Shakespeare

Principal, Andalusia Jr. High School

and Andalusia High School