“There is one group of people who can make every person excited about coming back to school the next day and that person is all of you - the bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, teachers - everyone. You - that’s your superpower. You are going to have a smorgasbord of kids entering your class. Building relationships is your superpower. You hold the power to make kids excited to come back every day.”
Pouch, who was hired this spring to take over as the new superintendent said he was excited about opening day and seeing everyone together. “Everything we do is rooted in our strategic plan for the district and everything we do is for our students.”
“You are masters of relationships,” Pouch told the staff gathered in the auditorium. “I encourage you to make sure you prioritize building relationships on day one and just as much on day 180. Take time to prioritize building relationships.”
TK Board President Derrick Brock also spoke to the staff welcoming everyone to another year. He reminded everyone that all are important no matter what their title or role. “You are all vital to our vision and you matter.”
Lani Forbes, director of Barry County United Way, also spoke briefly to the staff reminding them of how much their contributions to the United Way impact families at TK.
She said TK residents have accessed a variety of programs 10,000 times in the past year and that the United Way has invested more than $573,000 in the TK community. Most recently, she said 96 students have been able to pick out backpacks and school supplies for the coming year.
Every dollar donated to the United Way, she said, stays local to assist local families in need. “All of it matters.”
Pouch returned to the stage to introduce new administrators in the district. Mark Provost, assistant superintendent; Jon Washburn, director of human resources; Megan Wonders, curriculum director; Scott Szczepanek, high school assistant principal; Ben Sleeman, McFall Elementary principal; and Sara Jewett, Lee Elementary principal.
Staff were recognized for their years of service.
10 years
Ethan Barnes, Debbie Cisler, Tanner Dykema, Kate Grey, Shannon Heynig, Jamie Knight, Danielle Nowinsky, Kristy Palmbos, Meagan Rainey, John Schilthroat
20 years
Jill Bouwkamp, Lyndsey Fischer, Nathan Fischer, Brian Hammer, Lauren Heth, Barb Hubers, Danielle Jahnke, Ross Lambitz, Cathy Leaf, Alison Muka, Scott Szczepanek, Amy Vreeland, Matt Wonders
30 years
Todd McCrumb, Luann Tandy, Martha Thorne, Maggie Wilkinson