9/17/25 From The Superintendent's Desk

Starting the School Year with Purpose and Opportunity

We're off to a focused and exciting start this year, with great things already on the horizon! Bulldog Bash and Homecoming are on the calendar, and we'll be sending out more reminders and details soon. As we move forward into this school year, particularly in high school, we're making a few important changes that we believe will have a lasting impact on our students’ futures.

One of our key areas of focus this year is enhancing our approach to parent conferences. We understand how vital it is for parents to be deeply involved in their children's education, especially when it comes to planning for life after high school. Last year, as we were preparing for our first parent conference, we recognized that there was room for improvement in how we provide information to both students and parents about post-high school options. It became clear that engaging more parents in this process is essential.

That’s why we’re offering more comprehensive opportunities throughout the year for students to meet with college representatives, trade schools, and workforce resources, all designed to help find the best path for each senior. For some students, this journey begins in the early high school years, and we want to make sure they have all the resources available to make informed decisions about their futures.

Did you know that if your student takes tests like the ACT or SAT, it could increase their financial opportunities for post-secondary education? These tests, which are often offered for free to our students, can play a crucial role in showing colleges and scholarship programs just how capable our students are. It’s just another way for them to demonstrate their potential in the classroom and beyond.

We are also fortunate to have the expertise of our CTGR counselors, who specialize in supporting our tribal students. Through this partnership, we’re able to connect students with resources that can help them not only navigate the academic world but also thrive financially in their post-secondary endeavors. I hear incredible stories of tribal students who manage their college journeys and even graduate with money to spare! It's a testament to the hard work, resilience, and opportunities available when students take full advantage of the resources we provide.

Of course, we understand that not every student has college goals, and that’s okay! What matters most is that we keep as many doors open as possible, whether it’s through college, trade school, or entering the workforce directly. By June, we want to be sure that every senior has a clear pathway to their next chapter.

I’m constantly hearing stories of our students going above and beyond, doing great things, and demonstrating their positive influence in ways that make me so proud. Their hard work and dedication are truly inspiring.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make this year one filled with opportunity, growth, and success!

Let’s go, Bulldogs! 🐾

Mike Gass, Superintendent