C. J. Huff to teachers: Good things are coming

One of the traditions that all Joplin R-8 teachers look forward to each year is the folksy letter from Superintendent C. J. Huff reminding them that it is almost time for school again and that, of course, he is with them on this journey all of the way (unless they write novels that include a school district superintendent who has his picture taken with every kindergartener).

The teachers received the following letter Friday, undoubtedly making them ready to get right back into the classroom without waiting until August 15.

Dear Educators,

I hope each of you has had the opportunity to recharge this summer. There is nothing more important than spending time with family and friends, and I hope you have had the opportunity to do both. As we head into another exciting school year at Joplin Schools, I look forward to seeing our school family back together again to prepare for the return of our children.

This past year's theme was "Taking Flight." It was a tribute to each of you as we found our wings again following one of the most challenging years any school district has ever endured. What I didn't realize was that year two following the devastation to our community and schools was equally challenging and, in some ways, more. In the last 12 months our district has suffered through some unexpected growing pains as our recovery effort continues. At this time last year, we worked hard to get over $200 million in construction out of the ground. That work involved many of you on design teams, which took precious time out of your day to help create the future of education at Joplin Schools. Last fall we also faced a serious challenge to the long-term economic recovery of our district when the largest Tax Increment Financing (TIF) zone in the history of Missouri was unveiled as a part of the city's recovery effort. Again, this was another distraction that consumed much of our time as we partnered with the city to negotiate a plan that would support Joplin's recovery effort while at the same time protecting our district. This past spring was no less challenging. During the redistricting effort of our elementary and middle schools, we worked through our current enrollment realities and the uncertainty of future student growth as part of our effort to achieve enrollment balance. As we administratively endured working through these difficult tasks, you endured as well. Many of you took my comments last August to heart...you took some risks, changed practices in the classroom...failed, started over, and tried again. I cannot even begin to express my appreciation to you for doing what we ask our students to do..."Just try."

Whenever I experience challenges, like so many of you, I like to take time to reflect and evaluate. As I reflected, I realized that this past year I spent much of my time focused on overcoming challenges and checking off boxes on the recovery list. What I didn't do is spend enough time focused on supporting your good work. We're on this journey together, and this year, I am dedicated to traveling with you and providing you with a clear understanding of our destination.

To that end, this year's theme is "Destination Ahead!" On our opening day together, we will celebrate our most recent successes, and we'll talk about where we are and, more importantly, where we are heading. Understanding the vision for Joplin Schools is critical to our ongoing and future success. And, each of you plays an important part in that vision. With a renewed focus and a clear direction, we are going to take a big step forward together in the coming year. 

Upon your return, be sure to thank our educators who have been hard at it all summer long...our custodians and others who have been diligent in their efforts to prepare for your return. In a few short weeks our children will be coming back to us once more. We are almost ready, and I'm excited about what is in store for you and our children in 2013-14. Good things are coming. 

For our kids,

CJ Huff

Dr. C.J. Huff

Superintendent