Dear Ferndale,

During a recent visit to one of our elementary schools, I was presented with welcome cards from one school’s kindergarten cohort.  When I got home from work that evening, I sat down and read every one.  Using their best spelling guesses, they shared with me their individual thoughts about what makes their school so amazing. Without even realizing it, they captured the heart of what sets us apart.   

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of spending time in our schools, meeting with staff, students, families, and getting to experience our community both in my role as Superintendent and now as a community member.  I have seen firsthand evidence of all these amazing students had to say. They wrote about school being wonderful because they get to sing, play, make choices, and spend time with our incredible staff.   

As we continue on a path towards continuous improvement, I want to take a moment to pause and shine a light on the extraordinary things that set us apart. Whether I am walking the halls of our elementary schools or spending time sitting in our secondary classrooms, a theme of belonging, joy, and wonder can be found throughout.  I have witnessed greatness, spaces that allow all our students to sing, play, make choices and engage with our incredible staff.   

It is an honor to be a part of this extraordinary community and witness the greatness that is present across our organization. Here in Ferndale Schools, we believe that a family is the child’s first teacher, and what a privilege it is to partner with each of you as we continue to co-design our future. When our community puts our students at the center, knowing that they represent the best of who we are and who we will be for generations to come, we can’t go wrong. 

I hope you can kick-off this season with these next couple days off, spending time with those you love and doing things that bring you joy.  

 

#OneTeamOneTown 

Sincerely,

Dr. Kristi Dominguez

Superintendent