The 2017 -2018 school year is fast approaching, and I eagerly anticipate the coming year. I am excited about the opportunity to work with Dodge County Educators, support staff, students, parents, and the Dodge County Board of Education to make this school year a great success.
There are always new challenges to meet and goals to reach and this year will be no exception. However, I am confident that the team of educators in place for the 2017 – 2018 school year will work in the best interest of our students to assure their success.
Dodge County Pre-K continues to be recognized as a Quality Rated program by Bright from the Start. Students and educators will continue to enjoy Smartboards and computers in every classroom. Students will also enjoy the spacious playground that is age-appropriate. There are only a few vacancies left for the center to reach capacity. Interested parties can pick up applications at the Dodge County Board of Education office until pre-planning.
Students at North and South Dodge will return to schools that feature new LED Lighting, new paint, air conditioned PE facilities, new intercoms, new fire alarms, digital clocks, and extended canopies for inclement weather. During their renovations, North and South Dodge educators have continued to serve students in the 21st Century Program at Dodge County Middle School.
Dodge County Middle School students in grades 6-8 will return to school and continue to participate in curricular scheduling changes that feature extended learning time in language and math. DCMS students in the 8th grade will also have the option to obtain High School credits in Agriculture, Science, Mathematics, and Health and PE.
Dodge County High will continue to enhance its STEM program in the coming year. Their expanded emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics has fostered a partnership with the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. DCHS will also continue their STEM Fellowship program with Mercer University and will expand the program to 4 fellows this year. DCHS will continue to expand their Move on When Ready program this year.
There has been an abundance of activity with DCHS Athletics’ programs this summer as well. Coaches and student athletes alike have put in many hours this off-season to ensure that DCMS and DCHS sports will continue to be competitive in all areas.
The Dodge County Achievement Center and the Performance Learning Center are tremendous assets to our system. This summer, their combined efforts resulted in 13 additional students graduating from the Dodge County System during the 2016- 2017 school year.
As we prepare for another school year, I encourage parents to be involved in the education of your children. Establish comfortable communication with your students, teachers, and administrators. Whether your child is beginning his or her journey at Pre-K or whether he or she is beginning his or her senior year at DCHS, our goal is the same - “We are here to help children succeed. It’s that simple.” Please join us for Open House at your child’s school on August 10th from 5 to 7 PM.
T. Michael Hilliard, Superintendent