President's Speech

Due to the time of the President's speech, setting up video and moving students to locations for viewing, USD 420 will be video taping the President's speech and have a designated time for students to view it. No student will be required to watch the video, but it is important that we give opportunity for those students who want to listen to the speech.

The basis for the speech is to give a response to the importance of education. Education to a child is extremely important. In the early 1900's many youth graduated from the 8th grade or dropped out before that age. Many of these 8th grade graduates went on in their life with great success. As times change the necessity of a well rounded education becomes more important. We must all work together to keep our students focused on a solid education for their future and the future of the world. We must educate students to be able to work and survive in the 21st century.

I often think about the farming industry. I once asked a farmer to think about going back and using the equipment and technology he used to farm in the 1940's. He told me that he would not be able to survive using that age of equipment. He now uses technology to figure soil needs and keep records of all the crop information. The technology in the equipment is much better today and helps to get the work completed in a much more efficient way. He now can do a full days work in almost any temperature because of the air-conditioned cab in all of his equipment. Times have changed!

Another example was given to me by a carpenter. He said that when he was young he did not think that math was all that important. He always asked the old question, "when will I really use algebra?". Now in his work as a carpenter he finds that he uses algebra every day. Carpenters, welders, plumbers, tile and flooring layers, mechanics and many other labor type occupations use math to find angles, length, materials needed, and figuring air-space for heating and cooling just to mention a few items.

As we visit with our youth about the need for an education we must remember that only through setting goals for their own future will they develop the need for a quality education. Now is the time for them to dream and get the focus of the best education they can receive. K-12 education is the foundation of their life. Please help them find the inner focus to study hard to make their future the best.