Sheridan thrives on community of care

Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools

At the heart of Sheridan Community Schools (SCS) is community. Students, staff, and educators are able to thrive on the community of support that surrounds everyday learning, schedules, and initiatives. The success that happens inside SCS is built on the community’s commitment to support.

SCS Superintendent Dave Mundy said, “Every individual at SCS is instrumental in creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.”

The teachers are an integral part of that environment. Sheridan High School Principal Rick Davis said, “At the frontline of care are our dedicated and talented staff of teachers who teach, support, encourage all students to work hard, learn new things, develop skills, stay curious, and grow in their understanding of the world and their role in it.”

At SCS, bus drivers ensure students arrive safely. The FLIGHT program is an integral part of the before- and after-school care for students, staff, and parents. The daycare and preschool staff help young learners build their foundation. Instructional assistants provide support. Secretaries welcome students, families, and guests, creating a friendly, comforting environment and helping keep school operations running smoothly. Coaches and athletic staff encourage students to grow through teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, and perseverance, both on and off the playing field. Cafeteria staff offer nourishment. Custodians, grounds crews, and maintenance employees keep the school facilities safe, clean, and ready for success, whether that is in the classroom, on the stage, or on the playing field.

Mundy said, “Every role matters, and together, these employees help make Sheridan a place where students are able to be successful.”

Sheridan Middle School Counselor Jamie Galloway sees the community of care both as an educator and a parent.

“My parents always encouraged me to work hard in all that I do and to be kind to everyone,” Galloway said. “Now, as an adult, I can recognize those attributes in others and am so blessed to be part of a school community that shares those same values.”

Galloway continued, “I am so appreciative of the day care and preschool staff that kept my child safe and took the time to help him build his daily pizza Lunchables. I am thankful for the bus drivers who get my kids to school on time and who are always willing to make an extra trip to return items that may have been left behind on their routes. I am grateful for the custodians and grounds crew who take pride in maintaining our facilities and who are always willing to help set up for the next sporting event or performance our kids are excited about. We are so fortunate to have patient Instructional Assistants who support both our teachers and students in the most individualized of ways. Additionally, I admire our cafeteria staff, who truly worry about students who may not have lunch money, or food at home, or someone to sit with while they eat.”

Galloway, Mundy, and all Sheridan employees are surrounded by a village not only within the walls, but also outside of them. Galloway reiterated Mr. Rogers: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping,” as she shared, “Fortunately, we have an abundance of helpers in Sheridan Community Schools, and they are all around us, all the time.”