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From the desk of the Superintendent
As many of you have already heard, I am overjoyed to be serving as your superintendent! Coming back to my home district has brought back many memories and given me the opportunity to catch up with so many people. I've also been able to meet a tremendous amount of "new" people in the community during our 'backpack nights' to begin the school year. Having those conversations has definitely reinforced my excitement to be here. I'm proud to once again be a Sherrard Tiger and rejoin the tight-knit community where I grew up. It certainly feels like coming home.
This summer has been an exciting time for me. I not only became a proud grandpa when my daughter gave birth to a healthy baby, but I also asked my longtime love for her hand in marriage (she said yes, in case you were wondering). We also purchased land on which to build our new home in the Sherrard district...so as I said, exciting times indeed!
For students, August begins a new chapter in their lives as they jump into a new grade level, and for some, a new building. With the excitement, many also experience anxiety as they navigate uncharted waters. We all experience some measure of trepidation when we face new challenges - even good ones.
Our district has phenomenal school counselors who have a passion for serving students. They work hand in hand with families in our district to provide mental health support to our students - your children, to make sure we are addressing their needs as they adjust to the new school year. Importantly, we should all remember September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Schools are no strangers to the tragedy of loss when a student is the victim of suicide. While we can't control every outcome, we can take steps to identify and support those who find themselves on the slippery slope of despair. We have flyers posted in the restrooms at the JH/HS with easy access to mental health resources, including a QR code to easily set up an appointment with a school counselor.
I also want to remind parents to download the P3Tips App. It is the easiest way to submit anonymous tips to any Crime Stoppers organization. Have a conversation with your child about what types of situations necessitate its use and help them become familiar with School Resource Officer Mike Mendoza. He is visible throughout the school day; he makes stops at all the buildings in the district throughout the school year. You can find his photo on the website by using the 'Staff Directory' in the gold icon bar. Student safety is our priority and we are tasked with partnering with you - parents and caregivers - to provide mental health resources and a safe place for learning.
I also want to remind parents to download the P3Tips App. It is the easiest way to submit anonymous tips to any Crime Stoppers organization. Have a conversation with your child about what types of situations necessitate its use and help them become familiar with School Resource Officer Mike Mendoza. He is visible throughout the school day; he makes stops at all the buildings in the district throughout the school year. You can find his photo on the website by using the 'Staff Directory' in the gold icon bar. Student safety is our priority and we are tasked with partnering with you - parents and caregivers - to provide mental health resources and a safe place for learning.
I look forward to meeting more folks in our community as the school year progresses. Be sure and say 'hi' when you see me out and about! This is going to be an amazing school year... and remember... give a student a chance to impress you and they usually will!
Warm Regards,
Dr. Carl Johnson
Superintendent, Sherrard CUSD #200
