By Laura Marsot
Dear Diocesan Friends,
Transitioning from the classroom (in public schools) to a leadership position at Keokuk Catholic Schools has kept me on my toes! It has certainly changed my life in many ways. I’ve spent some time contemplating my first quarter as the new principal of KCS, and I’ve reflected on what I thought being a principal would be versus what it actually has entailed. Just like my first year of teaching, the beginning has been full of great days, challenges and unforeseen events. I had no idea what was in store for me, or all I would need to learn to manage and facilitate.
That said, I truly believe that challenges are meant to be treated as opportunities and stepping stones, rather than barriers and stumbling blocks. I am optimistic and grateful for the opportunity to work with these students, staff, and parents. Our volunteers are the best!
Our first three months of school have passed quickly. It is gratifying to see that our students want to be at school and that KCS is a fun and pleasurable place to be! Together we will continue to strive to make KCS the best it can be. Besides the wonderful experiences our teachers provide each day in their classrooms, KCS has several accomplishments to be proud of to date:
• Enrollment has increased by 7.5 percent
• Projectors are in every classroom, and there are laptops for every teacher — grant funded
• New Smart Board in our fifth grade and preschool room
• New IXL.com math for grades 1-2
• New science books for grades 3-5
• New grant-funded Spanish lessons for K-5
• Freshly painted main lobby and hall
• A fresh coat of paint in our kitchen
• A successful Parent Teacher Organization carnival fundraiser
• 5K run/walk fundraiser
• A newly furnished cafeteria — grant funded
• A new Facebook page, “Keokuk Catholic Schools.” Please “like” us.
• The ATS clock system is working again; bells are ringing!
• A girls’ restroom remodeled – grant funded
As we move through the rest of the year, we’ll work toward continued growth and look for ways to provide other opportunities to keep us unique and viable. Promoting our Catholic identity is a top priority.
Blessings abound in Keokuk.