On the first day of classes, I dropped by the Belton Early Childhood School to see our youngest learners as they started on their educational journey. There was a lot of excitement and even a few tears. (I consoled both students and moms.) It was a great way to start the new school year.
Those first day emotions aren't unique in and of themselves, but the educational experience that Belton ISD students will have this year is unique. It's a product of our culture, our mindset and our commitment.
Tomorrow, the Tigers will open their season with a scrimmage against Leander here at Tiger Field. It's always exciting to watch our student athletes take the field for the first time each year. It's even more exciting to see how the community comes together to support not just our football team but also the band, cheerleaders, dance team, trainers, and all of the students who make a Friday night at Tiger Field unlike anything else.
That's the culture we're building: a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where every kid has the opportunity to discover their passions and hone their talents - where every kid is a winner.
The reality is that we don't just build culture in the classroom. The success of our culture is also a reflection of this community's support for our kids.
The performances that you see at Tiger Field - from that great block on a critical play to the fight song that gets you on your feet - are the result of hours of practice and hard work. They reflect our students' growth mindset, a belief that with hard work they can develop their talents.
It's a mindset that our teachers share too. At the beginning of this month, more than 900 teachers and paraprofessionals participated in a two-day professional development conference organized by our curriculum department. It was an incredible way to get ready for our students, and it demonstrated that our educators are just as committed to honing their craft as our students.
And that commitment makes all the difference.
Those pre-kindergarten students that I met on Monday will graduate from high school in 2031. I don't know exactly what the world will look like then, but as they head off to college or start their career, some of the options that they're considering will be in fields that don't exist today.
Our commitment is to prepare them to excel in that world. That's our vision as a school district, and with your continued support, I'm confident that we'll be successful.
This is going to be a great year in Belton ISD!