Tuesday Talk with Dr. Dain

Dear Pirate Nation,

As we begin navigating the month of September and settle into the 2024-2025 school year in our new buildings, I am reminded of a powerful quote about change by Peter Drucker: “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” Embracing change with an open mind and a willingness to adapt is essential as we fully embrace our new buildings and update routines and expectations. This change marks a significant shift for the Piper School District and with it comes both opportunities and challenges.

For our teachers, adapting to new classroom layouts and integrating fresh routines into your daily practices can be daunting. Your commitment to finding innovative ways to make the most of our new spaces is truly inspiring. Our students, too, are experiencing these changes firsthand. Moving into new classrooms and adjusting to new procedures can be both exciting and a bit unsettling. We are proud of how quickly they are adapting and rising to the challenge. Parents are also adjusting to new drop-off and pick-up procedures, revised bus schedules and traffic patterns. We recognize that these changes can be challenging, and we greatly appreciate your patience and support as we all navigate this transition together.

As we embrace these new beginnings, let’s remember our theme this year: #BELIEVETHEHYPE. This is not just about adapting to change but about thriving in it and believing in the potential it brings. By keeping this positive mindset, we can transform our new environments into vibrant, dynamic spaces for learning and growth. Together, let’s believe in the excitement and opportunities these changes offer and make this a truly remarkable year.

Proud to be a Pirate,

Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent

Piper USD 203

We are excited to announce that families now have the opportunity to be a part of your child's daily school bus journey. In partnership with DS Bus Lines, we have officially launched the "BC Family App". To start receiving alerts about your child's bus route, follow the instructions on the attached information sheet.

The September Board of Education Meeting will take place on Monday, September 9, at 6 p.m., in the Board Room.

Please note, the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Budget Hearing at 5:50 p.m.

Access Board Docs (Agendas and Corresponding Reports)

Reminder that patrons can access agendas and corresponding reports via the website prior to or after each Board of Education meeting. For access, click here, where you will find agendas and reports from previous Board meetings.

Amber Buck, Community Outreach and Inclusion Coordinator

“Capacity-building" | “Challenging” | “Worthwhile”

These are just a few of the words that district leaders used to describe the professional learning they spearheaded last school year with each other. Our monthly book study of How To Be An Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive continues this school year as we stay committed to the journey. Grounding our learning in the Portrait of a Graduate competency of Social, Global, and Cross-Cultural Skills, district leaders are pushing themselves further as we strive to model leadership for America and the global community.

A colleague said, "Mrs. Dugan is a wonderful counselor. She is kind and loving to students. She is a team player and is always willing to help others."

We are excited to announce some changes to our Homecoming parade procedures this year! In partnership with the Optimist Club, the Piper School District has moved the traditional Friday night Homecoming Parade to Thursday, October 3. As such, all Thursday games scheduled for Thursday, October 3, for our middle school and high school teams, have been rescheduled.

We are thrilled to schedule the parade starting at 5 p.m. and the powderpuff game kicking off at approximately 7 p.m. This decision is deeply rooted in our commitment to ensuring that all students, including those who participate in Friday night activities, have the opportunity to be part of the Thursday night Homecoming parade and festivities. We look forward to celebrating with you all and making this Homecoming the best one yet! #BELIEVETHEHYPE

It is great to see the enthusiasm and excitement the Piper community has for supporting our students’ athletics and activities. Attending these events is a great way to come together to show school and community spirit. We thank you for your support of our students, coaches, and activity supervisors.

As our district has continued to grow over the past several years, so have crowds at district events. The larger crowds make supervision of unsupervised youth even more difficult. We have had a few concerning issues where student safety has been compromised.

In an effort to provide a safe, positive and fun fan experience, parental supervision of middle school and elementary school students will be required at ALL district functions for the 2024-25 school year (unless otherwise noted by the building principal or other administrator). Middle school and elementary school student MUST attend games with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult. Unsupervised students will not be permitted to enter the events.

For football games, as per last year, the expectation is that young people sit in the stands with their parent or guardian or on the hill with staff supervision. Students will be able to access concessions and restroom facilities without supervision but will be directed back to their seats to enjoy the game.

Thank you for helping us with these updated procedures to help make Piper USD 203 athletics and activities a safe and positive experience for all.