Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with anticipation for the start of another exciting school year. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the upcoming academic year, which commences tomorrow. As we embark on this new journey together, I wanted to share with you the remarkable developments that await us in the coming months.
Our district has always been committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for your children's education and growth. With this in mind, I am thrilled to announce an array of new building projects that are set to enhance our schools and reinforce safety measures.
This year, we are making significant strides towards a more secure and enriching educational experience for all. Among the highlights are the following projects:
Early Childhood Center with Storm Shelter: We are dedicated to nurturing our youngest learners in a setting that promotes growth and security. The establishment of our new Early Childhood Center, complete with a storm shelter, will provide a safe haven for us to expand our Pre-K program while offering younger students the best start to their educational journey.
Expanded BGHS and BGMS Library: Our commitment to fostering a love for reading and learning continues with the expansion of our library. This resource will be a hub of knowledge, creativity, and exploration for all students and staff and provide a great resource for the community.
Safer Entrances at High School and Middle School: Safety remains a top priority. We are implementing new entrances at our high school and middle school, designed to ensure controlled access and protect our students and staff. We are also implementing a new Visitor Management System at each school in the district now that we will have secure vestibules and greater visibility for those entering each of our buildings.
Secure Playgrounds: To ensure the security of our elementary school students during playtime, we are installing additional fencing around both elementary playgrounds. This will create a protected space for them to have fun and thrive. In the coming years, we hope to add improved play surfaces as well.
Upgraded Doors for the BG Campus schools: We continue to analyze the efficiency, functionality, and safety of our entrances and exits and will be replacing some of our oldest doors and replacing with stronger, safer, and more energy efficient doorways.
AG Area Improvements: The agricultural area behind the high school is undergoing enhancements for both security and functionality. Fencing and a secure movable gate will be installed to offer a controlled environment where our students pass between buildings through the day.
New Parking Lot and Drop-off Area at BGMS: The convenience of our families is important to us. A new parking lot and drop-off area at BGMS will alleviate congestion and provide a smoother arrival and departure experience.
ADA Central Office with Storm Shelter: We are striving to make our administrative hub more accessible. The new ADA-compliant central office will also include a storm shelter, ensuring the safety of our students right in the middle of the BG campus during adverse weather conditions.
Reflecting on the past two years, we have accomplished remarkable feats through capital projects that have greatly improved our facilities. The completion of the FEMA building at Frankford, the road enhancements at BGHS and Frankford for improved traffic flow, the additional storage space at BGHS to eliminate hallway congestion, the creation of a new warehouse through the establishment of a staff daycare facility, and the acquisition of seven new buses – all these milestones have contributed to the overall betterment of our district including helping to ensure low attrition rates of our teaching staff by having accessible childcare amongst other activities (averaging between 4 and 6 percent over the last three years, which is less than half our state average and below the national average.) We have been able to do all of this, while maintaining the LOWEST TAX RATE of all schools in Pike County and one of the lowest in NE Missouri.
As we embark on this new school year, we eagerly anticipate starting the PROP S projects, with groundbreaking scheduled to take place in approximately two weeks. These initiatives signify our continued commitment to providing an exceptional educational environment for our students and staff.
The last two years have been a whirlwind of progress even after the completion of the 2019 bond issue projects were complete, and we are deeply appreciative of your ongoing support. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of our students, ensuring they have access to the finest resources and opportunities for growth and safety.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. Here's to a successful and fulfilling year ahead! It is a GREAT day to be a Bobcat!
Warm regards,
Matt Frederickson, PhD
Superintendent
Bowling Green R-1 School District