Thank You, McKenzie

As another school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to simply say thank you.

The 2025-26 school year was filled with learning, growth, challenges, celebrations, and countless memorable moments. From the first day of school to graduation and everything in between, our students continued to impress us with their resilience, effort, and accomplishments.

This year, we celebrated academic achievements, athletic successes, musical performances, leadership opportunities, Outdoor School experiences, technology showcases, field trips, scholarships, and graduations. We watched students develop into critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens while continuing to build the skills that will serve them well in the future.

None of this happens without the support of our community.

Thank you to our parents and guardians for entrusting us with the education of your children and for partnering with us throughout the year. Thank you to our staff members who dedicate themselves each day to serving students. Thank you to our volunteers, coaches, advisors, committee members, community partners, and local organizations who contribute their time, expertise, and resources. And thank you to the taxpayers and community members whose ongoing support makes our schools possible.

One of the themes that has emerged throughout these columns this year is that educating students is a community effort. McKenzie continues to demonstrate what can happen when a community comes together to support its schools. Whether attending concerts, volunteering at track meets, supporting scholarship programs, serving on committees, cheering on student-athletes, or simply encouraging young people along the way, your support matters.

While students are beginning a well-deserved summer break, activity on campus will continue. Throughout the summer, our facilities staff, office staff, administrators, and maintenance crews will be hard at work preparing for the 2026-2027 school year. Summer projects, facility improvements, planning efforts, professional development, hiring, budget work, and preparation for the return of students will continue in the months ahead.

Although the school year has ended, I plan to continue this weekly article throughout the summer. These articles will provide updates on the work occurring both on and off campus, highlight summer projects and planning efforts, share important dates and information for families, and help keep our community connected to the ongoing work of the district.

For now, I hope our students, families, and staff find time to rest, recharge, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy all that summer in the McKenzie Valley has to offer.

Thank you once again for your continued support of McKenzie schools. Have a safe, enjoyable, and well-deserved summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back this fall and beginning another great year together.