A Mid-Year Report Card

As the Superintendent of our schools, Gary Pflueger set some goals when he started his position last June. And now, almost halfway through the school year, he shares a progress report with the community. “The number one goal was to learn the job of superintendent,” said Pflueger. “I’m not quite done learning yet and can’t imagine I ever will be. The width and depth of this position is truly amazing. It should be; we are talking about our children! The key is focusing on core convictions and avoiding distractions.”

Pflueger said he is proud of the three elementary schools in his district – Naples, Mount Hall and Valley View. “They are in great hands. All staff members truly care for the children,” said Pflueger emphasizing that the teams are very strong. “Truly remarkable things are going on in each of our elementary schools.”

For anyone who has been around younger teenagers, they will agree with Pflueger when he says that enter any middle school or junior high around the world and you will be entertained. “They are full of wonder. Often the wonder is ‘why?’” said Pflueger. “This age group is magical, as are the people who work with them.” He praises the work of Principal David Miles who he said has taken an already strong program and improved it. “The staff is dedicated and focused. Student achievement and participation are at an all-time high. Learning and laughter are easy to discover in the halls of BCMS.”

While Pflueger has stated that the superintendent comes with challenges, he recognizes that the role of a high school principal surpasses any of his own challenges. “High schools are hot beds in any community,” said Pflueger who adds that Principal Tim Gering has great programs at the school and the school is strong.

“All the pieces are in place; some fine tuning will take us where we need to go,” said Pflueger who highlighted some of the great things going on at Bonners Ferry High School. His comments are following:

• Advanced Opportunities: Did you know your child can start earning college credit beginning in the eighth grade? With the 8-in-6 program, students can begin as early as the summer after their sixth grade year taking advanced courses to set them on the path to earn an Associate degree the same time they earn their high school diploma! Scholarship prospects are great for the students in Boundary County. I encourage you to get in touch with the school counselors Kim Norwood, Laura Anderson or GearUp Director Jacob Garrison for more information.

• The Professional-Technical Education Program offers tremendous opportunities for career prospects such as FFA, welding, cabinet making, drafting and more. In all areas, scholarship opportunities abound.

• Extra-curricular programs include athletics, drama, music, art, robotics and much more.

Going forward, Pflueger is eager about his position and is passionate about doing more to improve upon an already strong school system. “I have enjoyed getting to know the staff and students,” said Pflueger. “I look forward to learning more as we face the challenges through communication, cooperation and change.”

Pflueger reports that the framework in Boundary County is strong and they are facing a bright future. Areas where he feels they can improve upon include consistency, improved communication and higher academic and behavioral expectations.

How does Pflueger seek to accomplish these goals? “With continued community support, our children will be well informed and prepared for their future. All we need to do is work together and stay involved. The ‘we’ includes the parents and teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, kitchen crew, the administration, the community, but primarily the students. They need to ‘buy-in!’ If we work closely together and support each other in this most important challenge, they will too!”

#local #lifecommunity