VIEWPOINT
I’ve always loved going to school. I was so excited to return to middle school that, as a rising seventh grader, I counted down to back to school on my calendar each day of the summer.
As I round off my 13th year in the West Bend School District, I find that memories like that stick with me more than the times I felt frustrated with my education. For all the times I thought, this is stupid; I don’t learn anything in this class, there are far more times my schooling has left me feeling excited to learn and prepared for my future.
I have long resented the notion put out there by some community members and classmates that our school district is poor in comparison to the success of other school districts.
The West Bend School District gave me every tool I needed to be exceptional. I, along with my peers, was provided with more than sufficient academic support in order to be successful. The education we have received will prepare my classmates and me to achieve great things in the world after graduation.
Easily my favorite part of being in the West Bend School District is the wonderful student body. In my graduating class alone, I have met some of the most intelligent, talented and kind individuals. I have been moved by the beautiful music and art produced by peers and friends, as I’m sure many members of the student body and community have. I have also seen students in my graduating class get into high-ranking colleges and receive prestigious national awards. I am routinely amazed at the achievements of my classmates.
Maybe more important than their achievements, my classmates have created a community that makes the West Bend School District an overwhelmingly positive place to learn and socialize. The collaboration and camaraderie that I’ve experienced here is unmatched. The shared experiences with and the kindness of my fellow students are what truly make the West Bend School District a special place.
From elementary school, my teachers have been primarily outstanding. I truly believe that the WBSD has some of the most exemplary educators around. My teachers have been not only supportive of my education but also interested in my success as an individual outside of their classes.
When I have seen past teachers in public, no matter how long ago they taught me, they have remembered who I am and have been interested in having a conversation with me. I think that remembering students from seven years ago has to qualify as some kind of superpower.
“I have long resented the notion that our school district is poor in comparison to the success of other school districts.“
Dakota Gunnare, East senior
Not every student is like me. Most students at least mildly dislike going to school, and some even completely detest it. However, I can’t name one student who doesn’t have a favorite teacher, or, in most cases, teachers. So many teachers I’ve had went above and beyond for students who could barely show up to class or who faced significant challenges outside of school.
Administrators too, I remember with fondness. In elementary school, my principal–shoutout Mr. Kasik!–was distinctly gracious and personal with students. I have memories of him sitting down and seriously responding to my fourth-grade petition to permit fidget spinners in classrooms. While he explained to me that his policy was to allow each teacher to decide based on classroom culture, his care and attention to silly requests made by 10-year-olds is the mark of an exemplary administrator.
In high school as well, Ms. Potter has been exceptionally attentive to student and community feedback. It meant a lot to me and other students that she not only responded to student feedback but actively sought it out through the creation of the principal advisory committee.
Compared with students from other school districts, I have found that the WBSD, especially the high schools, have many unique resources for students.
College and career planning is where I find that the WBSD really excels. Not only is there sufficient counseling staff, but at the high schools, there is a college and career center dedicated to helping students plan and prepare for their future. As a current senior, the college and career center has helped me efficiently manage volunteer hours, provided me with access to scholarships and aided me in my college search. The college and career center also organizes employment opportunity visits as well as college and career fairs. This resource is a huge aid to the success of WBSD high schoolers after they graduate.
Through my experiences traveling with extracurriculars, I’ve also found that the WBSD is uniquely supportive. While students at other schools covered hotel and transportation costs completely out of pocket, my district lowered the price for even the most expensive trips to a very reasonable amount. I’ve traveled out of state with the school eight times for national debate tournaments, and each time the school board and district have been incredibly supportive and eager to make the opportunity as accessible as possible.
Now, this is not to say I left the suggested improvements section on my senior survey blank. Seriously, please staff the East entrance all day long. However, when I walk across the stage at graduation, what I’ll remember is not when I parked in the East parking lot and had to walk all the way around the building, but the exceptional education and support that I received.
(Top image: East senior Dakota Gunnare on her first day of second grade. Photo courtesy of Gunnare.)
The Current welcomes submissions from all students, faculty, administrators and community members, but reserves the right to edit for length or content. Any column, editorial or letter to the editor expresses the opinion of the author and not necessarily the entire staff.
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