Dear Brandon Families,
Welcome back to the 2022-2023 school year! We hope you are having a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer. I am writing to introduce myself to you as your new superintendent and to share with you some district updates. Since my first official day in the office on July 5th, I have had the opportunity to get started by soliciting input, listening to a variety of district employees, board members, emergency first responders, and student-centered community organizations. These meetings have been invaluable so far, and I plan to continue to meet with many more Brandon School District stakeholders over the first ninety days to continue to listen, learn from others, and as Stephen Covey says, “Seeking to understand before, being understood.”
Over the summer, our district team has been working hard in preparation for the upcoming school year, cleaning our buildings, hiring highly qualified professional and support staff, and gearing up to welcome our students back to school. We look to ensure that we provide the best possible learning environment for each and every Brandon student. Below are some important updates as we near the first school day on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
- District Safety: The Brandon School District has partnered with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department to hire a full-time School Resource Officer for the upcoming school year. The district has renewed our agreement with Premier Security Solutions. Also, the district is in the process of adding dozens more security cameras to our facilities, as well as additional proactive security measures designed to keep our students and campuses safe.
- COVID Update: The District will continue to follow all legal mandates issued by the State and Local Health Departments. At this time there are no issued mandates from the State or Local Health Departments requiring students, employees, or visitors to wear masks, quarantine, or physically distance from one another.
Bond Construction Updates:
- Oakwood Elementary School is in the final phases completing and repaving all of the asphalt onsite.
- Harvey Swanson Elementary has a new playground that is in the process of being set-up and ready before school starts.
New Staff Spotlight: On behalf of the Board of Education, I am excited to introduce the following new district leaders:
- Dr. Jessica Cohen, Director of Special Education.
- Mr. Jesse Johnson, Athletic Director.
- Ms. Cassandra Padilla will be our new Early Childhood Supervisor.
|
School |
Event |
Dates / Times |
|
Oakwood Elementary |
Back to School Night |
August 31 / 5:30 – 7:00 pm |
|
Harvey Swanson |
Back to School Night |
August 31 / 5:30 – 7:00 pm |
|
Brandon Middle School |
Registration / Picture Day |
August 22 8:30 – 3:00 pm |
|
Brandon High School |
Registration Day |
August 23rd times based on grade levels |
Also, the Brandon School District is now seeking nominations for the Ed and Diane Donaldson Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame. Applications will be accepted through August 31st.
On behalf of the Brandon School District and all of our dedicated professional and support staff, I want to thank you for your support to the Brandon School District. We are looking forward to a fantastic school year, and are truly excited to see our students walk through the doors ready to learn on September 6th. Wishing you the best in the last days of summer!
Go Blackhawks!!!
Sincerely,
Daniel Gilbertson
Superintendent of Schools
