What I Noticed: Energy, Effort, and the Foundations of Excellence
Have you ever noticed how momentum isn’t something that happens by chance, but something built one intentional choice at a time?
I spent time walking through our hallways and stepping into classrooms over these first couple of weeks, and the atmosphere felt like an engine hitting full stride. A school building in the opening stretch of a year is like an ecosystem discovering its rhythm. From our newest 6th graders navigating the hallways to our seniors setting the standard, every corner of Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School has been charged with purposeful focus and shared pride.
When we create the right conditions—where high standards meet proactive support—growth becomes our natural baseline. We are watching our students step into leadership, take ownership of their learning, and build genuine belonging across all seven grade levels.
Empowered Classrooms & Proactive Growth
- Hands-On Scientific Discovery: Walking into high school science with Mrs. Ogg, I saw students taking full command of collaborative labs. As a former science teacher, I know firsthand the immense behind-the-scenes effort it takes to design rigorous, inquiry-based lab experiences. Her dedication to facilitating meaningful group problem-solving allows our students to truly own their discovery process.
- Cultivating Digital Leaders: In our brand-new junior high Digital Citizenship and STEM courses, Mrs. Wilcox is setting up our 6th–8th graders for lasting success. Grounded in the ISTE framework, students aren’t just memorizing rules; they are actively working with robots, producing informational videos and creative posters on positive technology habits, and learning to be balanced, informed, and alert digital citizens.
- Tiered Support in Full Motion: Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) periods are officially underway. Operating under the principle of “Firm Goals, Flexible Means,” our grade-level teacher teams are meeting daily to eliminate learning barriers, provide targeted scaffolding, and ensure every student receives the exact push or intervention needed to thrive.
Community Connection & Chippewa Pride
- Grades 6–12 Pep Rally Unity: We packed the gymnasium stands from baseline to baseline with every student in grades 6–12 to celebrate our fall student-athletes and extracurricular teams. Between the booming energy of our marching band and the spirit of our cheerleaders, the collective pride was unmatched.
- The 2026 Heritage Tradition: The bookstore fall collection is officially live! Excitement is already building around this year’s signature collectible—”The Doughboy” Heritage Shirt. It’s a limited seasonal batch that honors our tradition, and the shop remains open through the evening of Sunday, September 6.
When we push forward together as a community of learners, there is no limit to what our students can accomplish. Let’s keep moving forward with purpose and continue to invest in each other.
-Mr. Hartman
