To the editor:

Dowagiac Union Schools are community schools, our community schools.

While the district is supported through funding that flows from the State of Michigan, those dollars are generated by our property taxes.

The schools belong to this community, they belong to you.

Dowagiac schools have the awesome responsibility to educate your children and all of the children in our community.

That responsibility is the root of the dedication that teachers bring to the classroom each day.

That responsibility is the root of the joy that each of us who work for the district feel in the accomplishments of our young people.

Likewise, failure to educate a child burns in our hearts.

With the arrival of our new superintendent, Dr. Mark Daniel, the district embarks upon a new era in which failure is not an option.

A goal we share with this entire community is to educate our children, all of our children.

We know the difficulty of the task at hand.

Schools across the country work very hard, in many different ways, to educate every child.

There is no magic formula.

Yet we see the work our teachers are doing, we see their dedication and their talents.

Those of us in support roles are committed to deliver the tools our teachers need to succeed.

We cannot do this alone.

One of the great strengths of Dowagiac is the deep sense of community we share.

Everyone knows a Dowagiac graduate who is not just an excellent scholar, but also a simply wonderful person.

That rounded child is the product of Dowagiac schools AND the Dowagiac community.

In the coming weeks you will see the schools opening to you, building opportunities for you to become more deeply involved in the joy of educating our children.

You will have the opportunity to make a real difference for one child, or many.

Be warned, this involvement may take of your time as you volunteer, and also as you look forward to seeing your student in a play, a recital, a basketball game or on Graduation Day.

We invite you to attend a meeting of the school board, visit a building for a tour, call us with your concerns and suggestions.

Phone, send an e-mail or post a letter.

Your input will help us serve you better.

Explore the excellent new Web site at: www.dowagiacschools.org.

You will find an invitation from Dr. Daniel, contact information for the school board and administration and paths for volunteer opportunities.

Dowagiac Union Schools are working for our students and for our community.

Come be part of the success!

Larry Seurynck

President, Dowagiac

Board of Education