TOP STORY OF THE DAY - New superintendent’s goals, and snow days

Superintendent Dr. Tim Rayle talked about his goals for the future at the Clay Community School Board of Trustees meeting Thursday night.

Rayle admitted it made him nervous when he thought about filling the previous big shoes left behind by Jeff Fritz.

However, Rayle admits he wants to maintain all the great things currently occurring at Clay Community Schools while fostering even better student and community relations.

Dr. Tim Rayle

Rayle said his non-negotiables include:

Students will always be the center of every decision,

Safe, non-threatening learning environments will be exceeded,

High-quality employees will lead with high personal standards, expectations, and continuous improvement so CCS students and staff will both discover success,

Create and maintain open and transparent communication, and fiscal responsibility will be utilized to maintain trust and achieve a vision for the future.

Rayle explained there are a few new items on the CCSC website (in02200674.schoolwires.net) under the “Superintendent” button, including “Let’s Talk with Superintendent Rayle” Podcast, “Dr. Rayle’s 5-minute Focus”, and information about the “Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.”

Rayle was especially excited about “Dr. Rayle’s 5-minute Focus.”

Rayle plans to use the five-minute videos to create a social media presence and develop a way for families and students to stay current at CCSC.

Rayle was excited to announce the possibility of having three potential “snow days” built back into the school calendar.

“When we were children, we watched the ticker on the bottom of the television to see if we got a snow day because of the weather. It was like winning the lottery,” said Rayle, who admits children have lost that wonder the past few years because of the pandemic and the introduction of e-learning. “It was an experience that many of us treasured from our childhood. We will bring back the possibility for our children this upcoming school year.”

During the upcoming 2023-24 school year, the Indiana Department of Education has made it possible for CCSC to call up to three traditional school snow days or weather-related days off without students or staff worrying about e-learning or making the lost days up later n the year.

“When the weather is bad, we will make informed decisions about canceling schools,” said Rayle. “Allowing our students to stay home and enjoy a day of winter fun.”

According to Rayle, snow days are more than just a day off; they offer valuable life lessons.

“Our students to adapt to changing circumstances, build resilience, and find joy in life’s simple pleasures. Like playing in the snow with their dog,” Rayle said. “By bringing back the potential for traditional snow days, they can be kids again. And Trust me; I am well aware that our students need this opportunity after what they have been through the past few years.”