Fall is a busy time in the schools, and this year is proving to be no exception. This year has again proven a challenge to fill some of our open positions.

As of right now, we still have five open paraprofessional positions, need for a part-time bus rider, and we always need substitutes in a variety of areas including custodial, administrative support, paraprofessionals, crossing guards, classroom assistants, and teachers. The requirements for each type of substitute role are a bit different, so anyone with an interest in working with our kids should connect with us to learn more about the opportunities available.

We started our year with open houses and “meet and greet” days for early childhood through middle school. On these days, students brought their school supplies, met the staff, and completed brief assessments while parents had an opportunity to ask questions and complete forms. These days are a good opportunity for families to ask questions to staff and for staff to start building relationships with students and families.

Recently, we were notified by the BARR Center that Southview Elementary and Marshall Middle School were each selected as one of 18 schools for BARR implementation over the next three years. BARR stands for Building Assets Reducing Risks and has been in place at the High School for five years now. Our hope is that this framework will help us organize what we are currently doing in a more efficient and effective manner at each site.

BARR is an evidence-based, researched system that provides schools professional development, coaching support and resources to build relationships, utilize data and achieve academic, social and emotional outcomes for every student.

We have recently been made aware that one of our students, Jacob Zimmer, has been selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and specifically in the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Jacob will be representing Minnesota and Marshall.

This is a huge honor, and we are very excited for Jacob. Not only is this a big honor for Jacob but also for the entire music department, our entire school, and the community of Marshall.

Homecoming Week will take place during the week of Oct. 2-6. In addition to a variety of activities throughout the week, coronation will take place during the school day that week with the homecoming dance occurring on Friday night.

Students in our Welding, CNA, and advanced automotive classes are beginning their year at MATEC and the High School as we anxiously await the opening of the new Career and Technical Institute. This semester we have 15 students in the advanced welding class, 11 students in the auto engine performance class, 16 students in auto brakes and Steering class, and 13 students in the certified nursing assistant class. This new location and expanded CTE programming will be a great opportunity for our students.

Our fall activities are going well, and one big change this year was with our online ticketing vender. We have seen a smooth transition from Hometown to GoFan this fall. We will continue to encourage online ticketing but do maintain a cash option.

Our hope is that by winter everyone who enters an MPS event will have a pass or purchase a ticket. Anyone with questions about online ticketing can contact our activities department at the high school.

This fall, we once again partnered with the City of Marshall’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission to host the Welcome Week Activity that took place on Tuesday at Justice Park. The goal of the event was to celebrate diversity, advance inclusion and bring people together. The event included inflatables, activities, free eggrolls, and the chance to explore everything Marshall has to offer.

The event was well attended and was a great opportunity to connect with community members.

— Jeremy Williams is superintendent at Marshall Public Schools District