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Principals report positive start to school year across Phoenix-Talent SD 4
Summary
Principals at Phoenix-Talent SD 4 told the board about strong opening-week turnout, new programs for English learners and student leadership, and operational adjustments after summer construction.
Shauna Schleif, principal at Phoenix Elementary, opened the board meeting by saying, "I'm Shauna Schleif, principal here at Phoenix Elementary," and described kindergarten home visits and a family orientation that included a meal and strong family turnout. She said the school launched a "breakfast club" for English learners that meets before school to provide leveled language support.
Other principals echoed that the year began smoothly. Heather Lowe, Tallent Elementary principal, said about 75% of families attended fall orientation and that the school has welcomed more than 45 new students so far. Kent, principal at Orchard Hill, thanked kindergarten teachers and office staff for adapting to last-minute technology issues and praised the classroom teams for creating calm routines. Kealan Cross, Phoenix High principal, reported 701 enrolled students, new ASB officers and an advisory council to amplify student voice, and early adherence to a new cell-phone policy that he said is shifting campus culture.
Why it matters: School openings set the tone for the year and affect attendance, family engagement and instructional momentum. Principals described programs intended to smooth transitions (kindergarten home visits; Bulldog camp for middle school sixth-graders) and new leadership structures (WEB at Talent Middle School, expanded link-crew at the high school) intended to support students who are new or in transitional grades.
Details and context: PES reported eight teachers in new assignments; the ELD breakfast club at Phoenix Elementary serves about 18 students daily before school. Talent Middle School's WEB leadership program paired 47 eighth-grade leaders with 153 sixth-graders during Bulldog camp. Kealan Cross invited the board to the high school's open house and noted plans for homecoming events in late September.
The board acknowledged the district's custodial, facilities and technology teams for extensive summer work to ready buildings and service lines after construction projects.
What’s next: Principals asked for continued board support for staffing and partnership connections. Several principals offered to host board walkthroughs of updated facilities later in the year.
