Superintendent's Message for November 2023
One of my morning responsibilities is to put our two elder dogs, who are each about 15 years old, outside for a few minutes. As with most mornings, I rose early and came downstairs with the two of them in tow. I went to the back door and opened it for them to make their way out. Bella, the black lab, courteously went through. I enjoyed the fresh air for a few moments and then looked around to find Max, the little crabby “Toto” type dog. He was standing with a growly, obstinate stare about three-fourths of the way back into the dining room. He was not happy and he was not moving. He stood there for a few more minutes, turned around and ran back upstairs. His message to me, “Winter is on its way. I don’t like it and you can’t make me….at all.” You know, I have to agree with him.
With that, it is the time of year that we all need to make plans for the what if’s of potential weather calls. You will find in this newsletter, the general information around weather-related communications. We work to make weather-related calls as early as it is clear that we are going to have to change our regular schedule. WIth that said, sometimes Mother Nature does not appreciate our need to meet timelines. I hope you can appreciate that as well.
Again, please make plans now for the winter that will be here soon enough.
When next I ponder my message to you, Thanksgiving will have passed. Many of us look forward to the calm and gathering of this break before the full on race to the New Year. Please take time for yourself and your family in the days ahead. Enjoy them and treasure them.
Last night in the midst of trick or treating, I texted my daughter to see how the event was transpiring with her three young children aged 6 to 1.5 years old. Her response was, “I’m in the ER with Jaxon.” Me: “Why?” “He jumped off the retaining wall to the rocks and they think he broke his ankle.” She was clearly frustrated with so many things. Me: “Ok, keep us posted.” Silence. Absolute silence for about 20 minutes.
Then I received another text. “There is a baby here who is so sick. Makes me appreciate only being here for an ankle.” My response to her, “ Yup, we have to see our blessings.” May we all take time to see our blessings. They are there before us.
May we all be thankful for them in this coming season of reflection and celebration.
Lisa Beames
More from the Superintendent
Our Mission
Preparing Our Students Today for Their TomorrowThe Independent School District of West Burlington offers career and technical programs in the following service areas: Applied Science, Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing, Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management, Health Science, Human Services. It is the policy of the Independent School District of West Burlington not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator, Lisa Beames, Superintendent, 314 W. Van Weiss Blvd., West Burlington, IA 52655, 319-752-8747 x3, lisa.beames@wbschools.us.
Many photos on this site have been provided by Dan Hockett.
