Superintendent Speaks

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Looking forward to what comes next…

Congratulations, Graduates! Each spring our preschool students visit kindergarten classrooms to get a sense of what they can expect from the coming year’s big transition. They embrace their day-long challenge with a blend of trepidation and excitement, understanding on some intrinsic level that they are getting a glimpse of their future, seeing that it is close enough to touch. Although they may not have a full grasp of what is to come, they know that their lives are about to change.

Each spring, our graduating seniors prepare for their own big transition. With college and career on the horizon, they savor the last milestones of high school and proudly ready themselves to accept diplomas in front of family and friends. And as they look out across the crowd, they too know that their future draws nearer by the moment.

While our graduating seniors were once those young learners, they will soon become those graduates. This is their milestone, years in the making through diligent work and the help of teachers, school staff, families, mentors and supportive adults. Graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another – one that signals the promise and potential of our students’ futures.

This spring, a preschool student shared a realization we can all take to heart. As he departed from his kindergarten visit, he declared, "I think I’m going to be good at this!" Optimism, confidence, belief in their abilities – these traits will help our graduates succeed as they continue learning throughout their lives. I encourage all of our students to continue pursuing their dreams with vigorous determination and remember there is no limit to what they can achieve.  

On behalf of the Minneapolis Public Schools, the Minneapolis Board of Education and the countless teachers, principals and staff members who have invested daily in our students’ success, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates. I am confident that they will be good at all that comes next.

Summer is almost here. We have all been very busy preparing to end this school year on a positive note. Our teachers, principals, secretaries, support staff, bus drivers, nurses and so many others are excited to acknowledge the gains that our students have made this school year. I encourage our families and community partners to continue inspiring our students to work hard these last few weeks of school.

The more time students are in school, the more time we have to help them succeed and make academic strides. Summer is a great time to catch up – and even speed ahead! There is still time for eligible students to enroll in our summer school program. Please call us at 612-668-000 or visit us on our website at the address: http://summerschool.mpls.k12.mn.us to register.

We all play a role in supporting student achievement. MPS has connected with local community partners, including the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Hennepin County Library and the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board, to provide families with resources to help have a safe and strong summer. Watch your mailboxes for a "Summer Strong" resource guide, which provides information for families to equip their children with the resources they need to have a successful and safe summer season. More details are listed on the MPS website at: http://mpls.k12.mn.us/ summerstrong.

Thank you for your dedication to your child’s education and your support for Minneapolis Public Schools. We hope you all have a safe and strong summer season!