Superintendent Shumway bids farewell to North Gem!

Dear North Gem Community,

It’s hard to believe that we are winding up another school year.  We are excited for our end of year celebrations with kindergarten graduation, music concerts, elementary field day, Sr. class trip, Cowboys in Action service at Historic Chesterfield, the 1st annual academics and athletics awards banquet, and Graduation.  Hopefully, you were able to attend all of the events you wanted to this year as our productions have been very good.  Our students have done very well in representing our community in academics, theater, music, service, and athletics.  I give credit to our amazing faculty and staff for the success we have experienced this year and am encouraged for the future as these valuable people continue on with the North Gem tradition of excellence.  I also recognize the amazing parents and community members who have volunteered so much time with our PTO, Boosters, Education Foundation mentoring, and for class activities.  You are greatly appreciated!

We have been represented well during the recent legislative session as out local legislators have battled to support our communities in Caribou County.  I appreciate their willingness to take on the challenges of politics to represent our voices and values.  While changes are always happening I hope that we can benefit our community and students by focusing our efforts on building and improving through change.  We have received several grants to improve the safety and security of our facilities as well as to improve communications systems.  Over the summer we will be implementing upgrades and repairs around our aging facilities to support the extended life that is necessary for our school buildings.  The school board is working very hard to focus finances on the projects that are most important and to develop a 10 year plan for improving our facilities.  I hope you can support them in their efforts and in providing feedback on ideas and resources you may have.

Finally, as most of you are probably aware I am headed to New Zealand to serve as the coordinator for the International Teacher Education Program for BYU-Hawaii.  I have enjoyed my time here in this community and the positive relationships that have been in abundance.  I hope that I have been of benefit to this district and community.  As I move on and Mr. Miller takes over, I hope that you will give him the same warm North Gem welcome that was extended to me and support him as he leads.

Best wishes,

Dr. Todd Shumway, Superintendent