Research (and common sense) has, for years, demonstrated that by strengthening the engagement between schools, families, and community members, we can all positively impact student achievement and outcomes. I’ll go on record right here and just say that, apart from the safety of our students, few things matter more to me than this. That’s why I’ve brought the Journey 12 Community Engagement Initiative to Meridian. We are the first school in the country to launch this important initiative and I couldn’t be prouder or more thrilled to be able to do it without any cost to our local taxpayers, whatsoever. We are also very fortunate to have the support of The First State Bank of Olmsted, whose President and CEO, Bob Reichert, has agreed to generously fund scholarships associated with this program.

In the coming year, the Journey12 Community Engagement Initiative will tell many of our school’s up-close, positive stories all year long through a professionally-built and managed campaign, which includes your own Bobcat Podcast, quarterly magazine, called Fusion (you’re holding it!), Amazon Alexa briefings, postsecondary guidance support, customized for our kids and, later in the year, a wonderfully engaging, professionally produced school community video, sharing more about what happens inside of our school on a regular basis.

The Journey12 Community Engagement Initiative reaches, not only parent households with school-age children but, all taxpayer households across our entire district. My hope is that this will result in a better understanding of how much we all mean to each other, across our entire district and the communities it serves. I also hope that, as you become more familiar with what we’re doing in our buildings — and, hopefully, intrigued — that you’ll consider reaching out as a volunteer, mentor, or even someone who might serve on our faculty or staff.

As author Alex Haley said, “Find the good and praise it.” That’s what we intend to do here. This is the collective us saying, “Let’s tell those stories; let’s build better, stronger, and more connected.”

We’re always better together, and my hope is that our efforts here will bring us all a little closer together, for the good of our kids and for the good of our community.

Jon Green, Superintendent, Meridian CUSD #101