I’ve always liked the phrase “onward and upward”.  What it means is to stay on course and get even better.  I think that is the case at Big Rapids Public Schools.  I have shared many of our successes from last year, but we have now received our latest High School State test results, and to put it simply, we continue to go upward!

As I have mentioned to you in previous communications, our high school students have already been noted as the most prepared of any public school in this large geographical area.  But the new test results put us on an even higher plane.  Our ACT sores have increased significantly from last year’s successes.  This is due to everyone in this community- from our experienced, well-trained staff, to our great parental support, and of course our fantastic kids.  We promise to do our best to continue on an upward course.

Truly, we feel that we are one of the greatest school districts in Michigan- we want to be the GREATEST.  Again, you are a big part of that and will continue to be so into the future.

Now we know that BRPS did not turn great these last few years.  In fact, we have been a stellar school for decades.  I evidenced that once more this year at the annual alumni banquet held at the High School gymnasium.  What a great group of people attended that event!  These included alumni from 25, 50, and even more years ago.  Many came up to me to chat and talk about their grandchildren, the old days, and questions about today.  It is just a phenomenal event filled with great people.  If you haven’t attended this banquet, or it’s been awhile, please consider doing so next year. They (and I) would love to see you there.

Now, looking forward to this year, I have some great things to share with you.  First of all, as you know the AARA (Stimulus Funds) given to schools asked that schools do more for our younger Cardinals.  So we are adding many more computers and technology at the K-1 level and at the elementary level as well.  We are also continuing to offer Spanish for our elementary students as well as technology.  Studies show that students learn foreign language best when they are younger, so we continue to take advantage of that.  In our new global economy foreign language will be a necessity- and our kids will be ready.

Please check our website to get information on all our schools and happenings here in the district.  Thank you!

 Thomas M. Langdon, ED. D.
BRPS Superintendent