A Message From Our Superintendent
June 28, 2007
Paul R. Brochtrup, Ed.D.
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the
North Platte Public School District I want to welcome you to the
District, and I invite you to visit our schools and to become more
familiar with the educational opportunities that are available for
the children who attend this School District. We are on a journey
toward educational excellence, and we are committed to maintaining
our focus on student learning, student achievement, and student
success.
In an effort to maintain the focus on student learning, student
achievement, and student success we have made some significant
changes in our K-12 curriculum and instructional programs. Our goal
is to develop and implement a more rigorous curriculum for all
students, and to provide intense instruction in all content areas.
In other words, we will continue to raise the bar in an effort to
provide your children with the skills they need to compete in a
global economy. Technology has leveled the playing field, and high
school graduates need to be prepared to compete against people from
the four corners of the world for positions in a global
workforce.
As we focus on student learning, student achievement, and student
success, we call upon you, the parents of our students, to help us
carry the banner of educational excellence by impressing upon your
children the importance of character, self-discipline, hard work,
and perseverance. At North Platte Public Schools we stress the
importance of parent involvement in their child’s education, and we
strongly urge parents to instill in their children the importance
of a strong academic program of studies, e.g. a college preparatory
program. The college preparatory program at North Platte High
School offers the quality courses and intense instruction the
students need to be successful in college, or any career path they
choose to follow. Notwithstanding the importance that some
individuals place on class rank, test scores, and GPA, the research
shows that the most accurate predictor of success in college is the
quality of the high school courses that students take, and the
intensity of the instruction they receive. For those students who
choose to enter the workforce or military service immediately after
graduation from high school, what they learn and acquire from a
college preparatory curriculum will enable them to earn higher
wages on the job, or advancement in the military. If they choose to
attend college at a later time, they will have the knowledge and
skills to be successful.
Research has shown that the perception and attitude the children
develop early in life toward academics influences their curriculum
choices in the middle school and high school. Consequently, it is
imperative that parents impress upon their children the importance
of good study habits and insist that their children read as much as
they watch television. The benefits of good study habits and strong
reading skills are enormous.
So, as we venture forward on our journey toward educational
excellence, let’s be ever mindful of the importance of staying
focused on student learning, student achievement, and student
success. The future belongs to those who are prepared for the
challenges that come with competing in a global economy, and it is
the perpetual task of all stakeholders e.g. educators, parent and
patrons of the North Platte Public School District, to create the
circumstances, and to provide the support that our children need to
be successful. I look forward to working with you as we continue to
build a strong and enjoyable learning environment for the children
of the North Platte Public School District.
Sincerely,
Paul R. Brochtrup
Superintendent