Dear Panther Family,
As we embark on another season, I have been thinking a lot about the power of our collective story. In August, we embraced that power by welcoming the talented Spoken Word artists from Kinetic Affect, whose heartfelt performances inspired us to reflect on our own stories. Through their artistry, we learned that each story—whether filled with triumph or challenge—has the power to connect us, strengthen us, and propel us forward. It’s through sharing, listening, and collaborating that we not only celebrate our victories but also rise to meet our challenges, together.
Just recently, I had the joy of spending an afternoon with our 3rd graders as they bravely shared their own personal stories. These students exemplified courage, vulnerability, and compassion as they spoke of life lessons and moments of overcoming adversity. Watching them support one another, offering encouragement and kindness, was a beautiful reminder of the strength that comes from community. It’s moments like these that remind us of the true spirit of Panther pride.
Each year, hundreds of families choose to send their kids to school in Parchment. When I talk with them, I often ask why they chose our district- or why they choose to stay. They talk with me about the “community feel” and the “smaller scale”; they talk about how their kids really get to know each other over the years, and how they, as parents, do too. I talked with an alumni last week who came to Parchment in elementary school, and she said that her family chose our district because of the “sense of belonging” that our district conveys. And there are so many more stories waiting to be told about the magic of our school community!
Did you know that Mr. Dave volunteers every morning at Central Elementary, greeting students with a smile and positive words as they arrive? Or that over 40 of our dedicated staff members across the district are pursuing advanced certifications and degrees—outside of their school hours—so they can provide even more personalized, high-quality instruction for our students?
Did you know that parent volunteers that are running Minds in Motion every morning for K-3 students? Or that our new student center at the middle school gives students access to a social worker, counselors, and behavioral specialists so that we can better meet the needs of individual students? Did you know that we have many community partners, such as Western Michigan University whose Bronco basketball teams joined the Northwood Fall Festival this year with tickets to give away to students and families?
These are just a few examples of the heart and commitment that flow through our community every day. While we continue to celebrate these successes, we also recognize the challenges we face. Some of our students are finding it more difficult to meet state proficiency benchmarks, while others are navigating mental health and self-regulation challenges. Many of our families are facing unprecedented economic struggles. These challenges, while significant, have only strengthened our resolve to confront them head-on. The sense of “belonging” and “community” that has brought so many to our district is something that we want all students and families to feel and experience. We remain deeply committed to evolving alongside the changing needs of our students and community.
But our story isn’t complete without you. How can you help write the next chapter? There are many ways to help us write- and tell- our story! We invite you to join our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), serve on our Board of Education, explore volunteer opportunities, or consider applying for one of our open positions. We encourage you to ask questions, share your perspective, and make suggestions as we build a collective vision for what our schools can be. Not sure who to talk to? Contact our district office at 269-488-1050, and we can point you in the right direction. Every bit of support matters, and together, we can make a lasting impact.
As we approach the holiday season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the blessings we’ve shared and the challenges we’ve overcome. I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and resilience that our staff, students, families, and community partners have shown and shared this year. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to working together to raise confident, compassionate, and self-aware young people. Together, we are not just telling a story—we are building a legacy.
With gratitude and Panther pride,
