Message from Mr. Goggins

With the 2022/2023 school year in the rearview mirror, and while there were the usual bumps as in any school year, there were many more upsides to be proud of. First of all, school is finally starting to feel a bit more “normal”. As we put the pandemic further behind us, educators and students have had to recognize that there were some impacts that have been long-lasting. Pre and post-pandemic attendance numbers represent a big shift in how many days the average student tends to miss. Simply put, during the pandemic students got used to not consistently being in school, and as a result, have stayed home more often for a variety of reasons. One consistent data point is the correlation between consistent attendance and academic success.  The good news is that the trends are reversing, and absenteeism is on a downward trajectory. 

Secondly, while there is still room for improvement, test scores are continuing to move in the right direction and show growth in several key areas, particularly in math, so well done students and teachers.

Thirdly, and maybe the most important, is the area of school culture. We all have been working at creating a greater sense of community among the students, staff, and parents. Over the past year we have seen an increase in participation and attendance at sporting events, and other co-curriculars and it is important that trend  continues. School has to be more than just a place of study, it must also be safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fun. The staff is dedicated to making that all happen while preparing kids for higher education and the workforce.   This year we will be welcoming some new staff members, as well as some exciting new course offerings geared toward workplace and career readiness.

So I continue to encourage all students to join a school club, sports team, or come as a spectator. Between athletics, FFA, band, theater, and a variety of school-sponsored clubs there is something for everyone. Parents, alumni, and community members will enjoy watching a variety of competitive teams and entertaining programs. So please make time to come on out to a ball game, performance, or event. The first two being the Back to School Bash August 12th in Nashville, and the high school open house August 16th at 6:00. Students should plan to stop by then to pick up their updated schedules. Because of some staffing moves the schedule has been reconfigured, so some student’s schedules will have changed.

I hope to meet as many people as possible at an event soon, and my door is always open. 

All the best,

Tim Goggins
Principal
Maple Valley Jr./Sr. High School