I am so excited to be your new superintendent. I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of many community events over the summer. As I visit the local businesses, partake in celebrations, and explore the area, I am so impressed with everything our communities have to offer.
The last week of August was filled with staff back in the buildings and you can feel the energy throughout the hallways. As we kick-off the 2023 school year, I want to express my enthusiasm and commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for your children.
I am not surprised by enrollment being up this year. Here is a very brief summary of why parents are gravitating to K-W when they are selecting a school.
● Small Class Sizes: We know that personalized learning from our talented staff occurs when we keep class sizes as low as possible. Our Kindergarten, for example, boasts 15 students in a class. This allows for things like early literacy development to occur.
● Academic Rigor: Students have access to advanced math and language arts coursework, world language and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Concurrent enrollment coursework also offers options to our high school students in areas of their personal interest. Our band, choir, technology, and CTE (Career and Technical Education - “The Trades”) are just some of the reasons people enroll their children in our district. Workforce Pathways and Certifications is an upcoming priority of mine.
● Student Engagement: When students engage in activities, the arts, or athletics beyond the school day, their achievement and overall success increases. K-W continues to offer a wide variety of program offerings, and has an unprecedented number of individual Conference and State Championships in athletics and the fine arts. Coding, FFA, and Robotics are all competing as well.
● Early Childhood Programs: K-W has prioritized and offers high-quality preschool and early learning programming for our youngest students and their families!
At our August “State of the School” address, I shared my belief that our teachers and staff are the CHAMPIONS for our students. It is our responsibility as educators to continue to encourage them to follow their dreams. This may be running the family business, college, tech school, apprenticeships, the military and the list goes on.
My door is always open to your questions, suggestions, and feedback.
Email: bgiese@kw.k12.mn.us
Website: www.kw.k12.mn.us
Social Media: @SuptGiese.
I truly am excited to be a Knight.
