Message from the Superintendent

Dear Parents, Students and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2012-13 school year.  This will be our first full year with students attending classes in the new Hoff Addition.  The new building has addressed many needs for both the school district and the Tripp community.  Prior to the start of school the new library held a grand opening which was well attended.  We are seeing many community members accessing the new library.  It is definitely a plus that this facility can be available to members of the community during our regular school hours plus being open during the regular public library hours. 

 The school district has also opened the new joint use fitness center.  We have had 20 community members purchase memberships to use the facility.  The district has kept the membership fee as low as possible asking for a fee that would cover the cost of the electronic keys that are issued and funds for general maintenance of equipment.  If you haven’t joined you may want to consider a membership.  Individuals can join for six months for $ 30 or a year for $ 50.  Family memberships are $ 50 for 6 months and $ 75 for a full year.  This is truly a bargain when you consider that many facilities charge $ 25 - $ 30 per month.  Stop in to the school office if you would like a membership or more information on the facility.

 As we begin the new year the school district has been required to implement some changes in the school lunch program.  Federal guidance now states that the district must carefully measure each of the foods offered based on the age or grade levels of the students.  Research has shown that many American youth do not eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables and far too many carbohydrates and empty calories.  We realize that the schools alone can’t address the increases we are seeing in obesity and diabetes throughout our society, but providing meals that focus on healthier items and limits on calorie intake can be a part of addressing these issues.  Our school lunch personnel took an extensive training this last summer to prepare for this change.  You may not notice a great difference in our monthly menus, but students will be encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables and the portion sizes will be more closely measured. 

 We live in a very mobile society and every year school districts see some students leave the district and some new students enter.  This year we have about 20 new faces in the district and we want to welcome those students and their families to the Tripp-Delmont School District.  This has resulted in a small net gain in our enrollment which is a positive thing.  We believe that there are many benefits to attending our small, rural schools.  Our students do well on standardized tests and college admission exams.  They have the opportunity to be actively involved in fine arts, sports, and student government.  Most of all they have class sizes where the teacher can give them the attention they deserve and need to pursue their academic goals. 

 The Tripp-Delmont School District looks forward to a great year of serving your children to help them reach those goals.

Sincerely,