As we prepare for this update, we would like to begin by expressing our heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous support for the recent bond issue. We remain convinced that the proposal for the Board of Education presented to the voters is critical to ensure the continuation of the traditional high quality education programs and services Jackson patrons expect.

The significant growth experienced by our schools has been well documented, and we believe that the reputation of Jackson R-2 School District is a major reason for our growth. It is our pledge that we will do all we can to live up to your expectations, not only in the classrooms we build, but in the instruction which takes place within those newly constructed walls. We face challenging times as we approach the year 2000, and your support will help meet critical needs for additional and better classroom space and equipment.

There are several vital ingredients found in great schools. Parents and patrons who believe in the importance of education and have high expectations provide a strong foundation. Students who want to learn, and respect the right of others to do likewise, are equally important. Well prepared and enthusiastic teachers and a solid curriculum are also essential. The last element is the availability of well equipped classrooms and high quality support services. Jackson R-2 voters have done their part and provided the support needed for adequate facilities. Together we can supply all of these ingredients and continue to have better and better educational opportunities for our youth.

As we meet with faculty and staff on Aug. 19 and 20, we will make final preparations for the 1996-97 school year. Throughout the summer, district administrators, faculty and staff have been working hard to prepare for the beginning of a new year.

Twenty-one outstanding teachers and administrators will begin their first year in our district or will assume a new position. We are confident that they will add much to an already excellent team.

On Aug. 21, over 4,000 of our communities most precious possessions -- our children and grandchildren -- will come to class with their school clothes on, their new crayons, pencils and packages of paper in their bookbags, and most importantly, they will come with their own special hopes and dreams for a great school year. Every one of these young people wants to be successful, and a major reason for this prevailing positive attitude is the openly expressed expectations of parents and the community at large. "Excellence" is the standard level of expectation in Jackson R-2, and we take seriously our part in supporting this expectation in the classroom and in school programs. As employees of the district, we understand the sacred trust you place in us.

John Dudley, the district's architect, has been working with faculty and administrators to prepare final drawings for the North Elementary addition. Structural, mechanical and electrical engineers will now develop the specifications for lighting, heating and cooling systems and plumbing in preparation for bidding this project. It is our hope that we can move into this badly needed addition in the fall of 1997. The administration and faculty of the high school will be working with Mr. Dudley to refine plans for the science and math building next. Following these two projects will be the development of the plans for the new elementary school south on Highway 25. We will provide updates as work progresses.

In addition to the many activities surrounding improvements in facilities, 1996-97 is the year of our district's five-year school improvement review. This intense evaluation activity will include a self-study by district staff and patrons. It will also include an evaluation of every aspect of our school district by approximately 18 visiting professional educators from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, colleges and universities and area school districts.

From this assessment, we will be identifying areas for improvement. We look forward to this formalized process and the input it will provide. We believe that even good school districts should strive to improve.

This school year serves notice that it will be an exciting year with much activity. Thank you again for kicking it off with your overwhelming expression of support for the Jackson R-2 School District.

Howard Jones is superintendent of the Jackson R-2 School District.