Dear Dowagiac School District,

As superintendent of Dowagiac Union Schools, I proudly praise the recent academic achievements of our schools:

1. U.S. News and World Report Bronze Medal Award presented to Dowagiac Union High School for being in the top 22 percent of high schools nationwide.

2. Dowagiac Union High School ranked 91 out of 585 Michigan high schools by The Mackinac Center comparing “Apples to Apples” based on expected performance versus actual performance on the ACT Exam.

3. The Michigan Department of Education’s 2012 Top to Bottom List has four out of six of our schools ranked in the top 50 percent in the state while the other two significantly improved their ranking compared to last year.

4. All six schools met AYP (adequate yearly progress).

Bottom line is our students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators and community volunteers are making a difference in the academic achievement and lives of our students by helping one student at a time.  Our students and educators are working hard to improve academic success. I sincerely thank each and every person, who has been part of the process to continuously improve student learning.  I hope all feel a sense of pride!

Your voting on Aug. 7 regarding the school bond proposal is greatly appreciated. Our students need the assistance we can provide to continue our academic success while preparing our students and community for the opportunities of the 21st entury. For more information regarding the school bond, please visit www.dowagiacschools.org and click on “About The Bond.”

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Daniel

Superintendent

Dowagiac Union Schools