At last week’s graduation ceremonies, I shared a favorite quotation with the Classes of 2005 and their families and friends. Rose Kennedy, mother of the late President John F. Kennedy, once said, “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.”

Now that 2004-05 has come to a close, I’d like to share with you some of my reflections on the many “moments” that I think defined the life of our very exciting, and sometimes difficult, school year.

Closing schools
For many, the decision to close two schools dominated the 2004-05 school year. It was clear that this decision was heartbreaking for many – including parents, students, teachers, administrators and School Board members. However, I am extremely proud of the professional and respectful manner in which our communities conducted themselves throughout this process. I am certain all of our elementary schools will be ready to warmly welcome their new students next fall.

More positive moments
Beyond the issue of school closings, many other significant actions and events made the year unique, and in a much more positive manner. Here are just a few.

· For the second year in a row, all of Mounds View Public Schools’ 13 traditional schools – and the District itself – successfully met the requirements for making adequate yearly progress (AYP) required by the No Child Left Behind act.

· Despite welcoming almost 400 non-resident students, class size averages met or beat goals across the District, thanks to the voter-approved levy in fall 2003.

· After five years of renovations to improve the health and safety of the District’s aging buildings, voter-approved bond construction activities were completed. Each of the District’s 13 school sites received upgrades that improved indoor air quality, enhanced safety and addressed deferred maintenance issues.

· After years of unsafe field conditions, Mounds View High School installed synthetic turf on its stadium field in August 2004. After installation, the turf field was used more in its first week than it was used throughout all of last year.

· In response to the Tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia, students and staff members across the District rallied to help those in need. Donations of food, clothing and money totaled more than $29,000.

This summer, all residents of Mounds View Public Schools will receive the District’s newsletter, School Talk, featuring a more in-depth review of 2004-05 and a look ahead to changes in store for our schools and students next year.

In the meantime, I want to thank all of the teachers, staff, parents and students who worked toward a positive and productive school year. I also want to challenge each of you to consider today as one moment – one among many moments. Enjoy it fully, and thank those who have helped you achieve it. Then move on to tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that. Treat each day as the very special moment it really is, and you will never look back with regret.

I wish you all a restful and safe summer.