After a very long winter, I believe spring has finally sprung. Ok, maybe after this past weekend I may have doubts, but with my sixth sense, which as a principal you must have, I can sure feel it! As I walk the halls and interact with students, there appears to be a greater spring in student's step, rekindled energy and spirit if you say. Now, it's our job to focus that energy in a manner that keeps them academically engaged and on track to finish the year strong.

In other matters, we are busy planning the 2019-20 master schedule, using the list of courses students selected earlier this year. As you recall from a previous column, I mentioned how important a student's course selection is for us in determining the courses we offer, the number of sections, and staffing. Over the past month, associate principals, counselors, department leaders and I have worked very hard to create a schedule providing as many students as possible, the courses of their choice. I am proud to say, we are able to meet approximately 97 percent of student requests. We wish we could meet all requests, but we understand it is simply not possible. Between now and the end of the school year, counselors are meeting with students who have schedule conflicts to determine alternatives to their requests.

Finally, I would like to recognize our staff. Across the nation, the first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week. However, at Central, we extend this celebration to all staff where each person makes a difference in the lives of our students and the families they serve. Rising from a common commitment that each student can and will succeed, I see the tremendous work they do. For this, I thank every staff member for making Central High School a place of hope, pride, and opportunity for all.