I remember that morning so clearly. She was far more calm than my wife and I were … it was hard not to tear up. We were dropping our daughter off for the first day of Kindergarten.
That day was strange for me as a father — a lot of conflicting emotions. I was excited for her, nostalgic that the first few years of her childhood were over and frankly, I was scared. We were entrusting our pride and joy with seeming strangers, who would spend nearly as much time with her during weekdays as we did. I wanted her to be safe, to feel secure and comfortable.
I wanted the school to love her, to foster her sense of wonder and curiosity in the world and to not have anyone tell her there was something she couldn’t do. While her mom and I teared up, I’ll never forget her eager little face, so proud of her new pink backpack, as she bravely walked away from us into the next chapter of her life.
Over the past few weeks, this scenario has played out for several hundred Healdsburg families. In the Healdsburg Unified School District we recognize the tremendous amount of trust that every parent places in their child’s school.
If you’ve chosen one of our schools for your child, whether they are 5 or 15, I want to assure you that you’ve made a great choice. We are committed to educating and nurturing the minds and hearts of every child in our community, no matter their needs, and have the staff, programs and facilities to provide a first-rate education.
For elementary aged students, we offer two schools with uniquely personalized programs. Families can choose from our Blended Learning program, which combines a center-based approach with technological integration to better individualize learning. For students who don’t speak English, our Accelerated English program rapidly builds the English skills that are so necessary for success in school and careers.
Finally, Healdsburg Charter School offers project based learning opportunities, teaching students how to take ownership of their learning through exploration and investigation.
Healdsburg Junior High, with its innovative courses and commitment to fostering community has become a model middle school program. During the first few days of school, instead of attending class, the focus is on helping students build connections with their peers through TEAM HJH days. The committed staff, including a full time counselor, offers a number of programs to support student’s social, emotional and intellectual needs. The seven-period schedule allows students to access an exciting menu of elective courses, including Robotics, Plant Science, Mouse Squad (a hands-on technology course), Art, Spanish, Tech Applications and Band.
Healdsburg High School continues its long tradition of offering a diverse and rigorous course of study to its students. It has undergone a large renovation over the last few years and arguably boasts some of the best learning facilities in Northern California.
HHS provides excellent preparation for life after high school. Courses such as Sustainable Construction, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Digital Media and Computer Science, in conjunction with an award-winning internship program provide for valuable career exploration and training for all students.
Furthermore, the school’s size, less than 600 students, creates a tight-knit community of learners. Though relatively small, last year more HHS students took Advanced Placement tests than any other time in history of the school — a testament to our teachers’ commitment to helping students set high expectations for themselves.
As I reflect on that day, dropping off my daughter for the first time, I realize that not much has changed for me. I still have those same hopes and dreams for her, though she is now 16.
I want you to know that in HUSD, we take that sacred trust and the hopes you have seriously. We are committed to partnering with you and our community to make them a reality again this school year. On behalf of our staff and the board of trustees, welcome back!
Chris Vanden Heuvel is the superintendent of the Healdsburg Unified School District.
