From the Desk of Patrick McKernan
Hello and I am hoping you are all doing well. As I type this, the fair is going on, the sun is shining, it is 100 degrees outside, and I don’t see many people out and about! That is what Kansas weather is all about. February it was minus 20 below! I am excited for the new school year and looking forward to getting the students back into the buildings. We have a few weeks before that happens and a few weekends, so enjoy that time with your children. Enrollment is schedule for August 12. Please note the times and locations on the website and Facebook pages. Thanks to those who have worked to help make that process easier for all. An important part of the enrollment process this year is the Household Economic Survey. This form is taking the place of the annual free and reduced priced lunch application. It is very important you fill this out if you think you would qualify. A good portion of state funding is tied to this form and we need to make sure we have these filled out by those would qualify. We can help you with this form if needed.
We have had a busy summer around here. We had 42 elementary students attend summer school and ten of those had perfect attendance! Thank you to the parents who made sure their children got here and thank you to the staff who worked with the children. We have had many students in the gyms, weightrooms, and participating in leagues throughout the summer. The top floors of both buildings have been finished off with the cool flaked epoxy coating. Our parking lots got some new asphalt and stripes. The elementary school hallways and walls got a fresh coat of paint and we had some carpet replaced in some needed areas.
With the 6th grade moving to the Troy Middle School, we have added some additional staff there. We are looking forward to the move and will work hard to make it successful for the students and teachers.
As you know, covid is rearing it’s ugly face again. We are not sure what this means for schools, but we will keep you posted on any re-opening plans that differ than what we have posted. We will still practice some social distancing when we can, we will still encourage mask wearing for those who want to do so, and we will still be cautious about our large group interactions. We want to continue to have as much normal as possible. I will follow up in a couple weeks with introductions of new staff and other important items before we begin the new school year.
Take care and stay cool!
Patrick E. McKernan
Superintendent of Schools/Elementary Principal
Troy USD 429