Reelsville principal reflects on school's closing

To the Editor:

I have been the principal of Reelsville Elementary since 2001. The recent decision to close our school (after the 2011/2012 school year) creates a time for reflection and a time to express appreciation.

I'm grateful to our faculty and staff for their dedication to our Reelsville Scholars. Despite a tough economy that creates greater demands on families, our personnel have maintained a positive outlook and dedication to helping our students excel. For example, a lot of hard work was required for our school to attain an "A" rating for "Exemplary Progress" on the 2011 ISTEP. Another factor contributing to our success is the emphasis placed on good behavior. Our Student Stars program has been highly successful in that regard.

Moving on, I don't want to overlook the dynamic officers of Reelsville's PTO; they have helped us maintain a positive focus despite recent challenges. In addition, I offer thanks to the parents of our students, as well as to the students themselves, for working together to accomplish our achievements.

While it saddens us to face the reality that our school will be closing, we will maintain our focus on providing excellence in educating our students. It has been an honor to be associated with Reelsville Elementary. I am grateful to all the fine people with whom I have worked over the past ten years. Our Reelsville Family (current and past) leaves a fine legacy of which we can be proud. Now, let's carry it forward.

Teresa Vapor