January Update

Bearkat Families,

Happy New Year! We hope you've had an amazing first half of the Christmas break, spending quality time with loved ones. As we approach the second semester, we are excited for the many Spring events ahead. This is always a busy season where we get to celebrate our incredible students and staff for all their hard work and dedication.

Please note the following important dates:

• Staff Return: January 13th (Professional Development)
• Students Return: Tuesday, January 14th

Let's continue Achieving Excellence Together!

Proud Superintendent,

Mallory Marr

3rd Grade Craft with Newspaper Words

Our 3rd graders had a blast decorating cookies with Grams, Nash’s grandma. Thank you so much for volunteering your time with our students!

We are excited to share the latest developments regarding the bond we passed in November. As seen with the cafeteria project, this will be a process, but our goal remains to be transparent as we move forward. We anticipate beginning construction on our projects in the summer of 2025.

On December 5th, we met with our Long-Range Planning Facility Committee to discuss plans with our architect, CADCO. During this meeting, the committee expressed its readiness to make an initial recommendation to the board for future projects.

At the December 11th School Board Meeting, representatives spoke on behalf of the LRPF committee, recommending that we consider demolishing the current library space to create additional square footage for academic use. The proposal also includes building a new library within the existing $40 million budget. Additionally, the committee recommended the construction of a new elementary and secondary campus in future bond projects.

In the Martin County Messenger, we will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Construction Manager At-Risk (CMAR) on December 19th and December 26th. Once a CMAR is selected, we will explore expanding the scope of the current bond projects to include the new academic space and library.

We are excited about the opportunity to add more secondary classrooms under the 2024 bond, as there is a growing need for larger classrooms to support the best possible student learning outcomes.

Thank you for partnering with us in Achieving Excellence Together!

Mallory Marr

Superintendent

Did you know we added technology applications this year? Coach Andrade and Coach Wood are teaching sections for all students in grades 6th-8th. With the rising need for students to increase their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), this is just a start! The links below highlight two student projects completed at the end of the first semester in Coach Andrade's class.

It is almost time for our students to showcase their projects. Mr. Hauser is working diligently with all students participating in the upcoming show to ensure they are ready to present their best work. We are proud of their efforts and know they will do amazing things. Be on the lookout for final projects and results from the competition.