2 minute read
Welcome Fall 2021
BY LAINE D. LARSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
I was watching television one evening when a familiar song from an old favorite sitcom, “Welcome Back Kotter,” began to play aloud. This popular solid four-beat tune brought me back to my roots, the late 1970s, when I was in high school. In a delightful and upbeat melody, John Sebastian’s song resonated with me and I began to sing along, ♫♪ “Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back!” ♫♪
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, this sitcom and theme song were about a teacher who sees the potential in all of his students when going back to the people and the place where they all belong — the classroom! These words are especially meaningful to me today as we are not only going back to school, but we are coming back together — to the classroom — for the school year 2021-22.
Although many things came to a standstill last school year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Brainerd School District met the challenges set forth and has moved forward with exciting plans and updates to our buildings (p. 24) and to our school offerings this year. As part of this movement, we are fortunate to have two new elementary school principals embrace their career and move to the Brainerd district (p. 5).
As I reflect over my tenure with ISD 181, I remain in awe of the Warrior staff, students, parents and community members who stepped up over the past nineteen months, in a way we never could have imagined would be necessary. Our Alumni Spotlight (p. 16) highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a working parent with students in the district and how our community comes together to support each other. At the forefront of every district decision and the reason for our “why” are our wonderful students. Between school, home and the world around them, students often face multiple obstacles. Brainerd High School recently launched the Sources of Strength program (p. 19) which brings together students, teachers and community partners like Northern Pines Mental Health to form a support network to students in need. Genuine proof that together, we are Warrior Strong!
Whether it’s maneuvering through a global pandemic or helping our children obtain their academic goals, thank you for being partners in our student’s success. Although we are not quite yet back to normal, there remain many amazing things happening at Brainerd Public Schools. Enjoy the Fall Edition of the Brainerd Public Schools Magazine as you are reminded of numerous opportunities for which we are Warrior proud!
Thank you for your friendship, guidance and support. From the top of my lungs, I sing, ♫♪ “Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back to Brainerd Public Schools!”♫♪ Have an incredible school year!
