Back-to-School Letters from District 300 Administrative Staff
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[To Our Students, Our Parents and Our Community:
It is with great excitement that I write this "Back to School" letter for what lies ahead during the 2012-2013 school year. The Board of Education, Administration, Faculty, and Support Staff have each worked diligently to prepare for the start of another school year.
With this school year there will be two changes in our district administrative team from the previous school year. Mrs. Margaret "Peg" Pursell will continue to serve as Principal of Du Quoin Elementary School. Mr. Aaron Hill will be serving as Principal of Du Quoin Middle School with Mr. Jeremy Cornett serving as Middle School Dean of Students. Mr. Jeff Gossett will again serve as Assistant Principal at Du Quoin High School. Mr. Cory Robbins continues as the District Business Manager. The two new faces to our administrative team will be Mr. Matt Hickam as the new Du Quoin High School Principal and Mrs. Diana Rea as Director of Instructional Services. Both join our school district with many years of experience as educators. We are excited that both individuals look forward to serving the needs of our district.
As you know this school year will start a new chapter in the history of Du Quoin High School. After years of working through a number of facility problems and issues our high school students will move into a new modern facility. At the present time we expect to move into the part of the new facility that will be completed during the Columbus Day holiday weekend of Oct. 5 through 8. As we move closer to that date we may take additional days during that time to assist in the moving process. We will keep everyone informed as school would not be in session if additional days are needed to complete the moving process. Once the move takes place, we will begin demolition of the old high school and then look to complete the final phase of the construction process. The final phase will include the construction of a new main lobby, new offices for administration and guidance, and a new health services area. As well, a new front drive and parking lots will be constructed during the winter and spring months of the coming year. I am so proud of how our students, faculty, and staff have conducted themselves during the high school construction process. I know we all look forward to the end of this project and the possibilities a new facility will mean for the teaching/learning process at DHS.
If you have any questions pertaining to the school district feel free to contact any school or the district office. Our philosophy is to answer questions relevant to learning or other issues at the most appropriate level possible. Many times this may be at the classroom or building level. The district motto of "Working Together For All Students" will be accomplished if we devote our energy and make it a priority to meet the needs of our students.
Sincerely,
Gary Kelly, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Du Quoin Community Unit School District #300