From the Principal’s Desk…

I always seem to get somewhat sentimental this time of year. Fourth graders heading over to the middle school, teachers retiring, other staff members moving on...we have much to celebrate, yet I find that I do my share of crying during this month each year!

I wanted to share with you how we are taking precautions for the prevention of the swine flu in our school. We are constantly reminding students to wash hands. All students wash hands or use the hand sanitizer after recess and before eating lunch. Our custodians are diligently making sure desk tops are cleaned nightly, along with doorknobs, drinking fountains, bathroom sinks, etc.  Our restrooms are cleaned two times/day. We are also monitoring student attendance each day, and will be asking parents for specific information if a child is called in sick. I have also included information from the Marshall County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health on the back of this note as a reference for you. 

It’s never easy to say good bye. At the end of this year, we will say good bye to several teachers and employees at MES. Please take a few minutes to read in the newsletter about the retirements of Cecelia Kimble and Sue Snow. Together Cecelia and Sue have dedicated more than 40 years of service to our district.  As they look ahead, they both plan to spend much more time with family, especially their grandchildren. They each also offer some advice and share their memories in the newsletter article.

I also hope you will also read the article about the teachers and staff who will be leaving us at the end of the year-Lauryl  Newell, Kyle Anderson, Tracy Cotton and Gwen Balensiefen. Unfortunately, their leaving is not of their own choice, but a result of the financial outlook of our district for the 2009-2010 school year. They each have made an impact on our school and our students, and we thank them for that.   It is definitely hard to say good bye.

Julie Albers, Principal