Hoesing reflects on school, community challenges
WAUSA — With half a year in the books under new COVID-19 guidelines, the Wausa school has overcome several obstacles and had many successes.
Just completing the first semester with the students still in school and not in a distance learning setting is a huge success in itself.
“As this semester winds down, and we approach the Holiday season, I want to take a minute and reflect upon the semester, and what our year has been,” Supt. Brad Hoesing said.
Wausa has an impressive school staff and that staff benefits greatly from its great relationship with the community, Hoesing said.
“As a school district, we have seen our fair share of obstacles over the past several years, from COVID-19 shutting the doors and forcing us to go remote, to construction creating obstacles for our students, to the tragic passing of our elementary principal two years ago. And through it all, the people I am most proud of are the people that walk these halls every day.” he said. “It’s Mr. Anderson, our new principal, Mr. Conn, our teachers, the paraprofessionals, the custodians, our lunch and secretarial staff, and most importantly, our kids.”
Hoesing said the students have been very resilient over the past several years, in dealing with these changes and challenges.
“They have faced a multitude of challenges, and have overcome them time and time again” Hoesing said. “To anyone that ever tells me about ‘kids these days’ and ‘they aren’t like they used to be,’ I often quip back by stating: “Your right, they aren’t like they used to be, they’re better” and they have proved it, time and time again.
Hoesing said he is proud of the way the students have worked so hard to keep themselves safe, and to keep others safe, noting that Wausa School’s quarantine list is low.
“I strongly feel that this is due to the tireless work of Mr. Anderson, our principal, our teaching and support staff, and our students diligence,” he said. “Thank you everyone for everything you did to keep our school going.”
During these times it could be easy to get frustrated and think of all the negatives, and forget all of the positives that are going on with our students and our community, he said.
“Our kids go to school in a beautiful building that is one of the best in the area. They come to school and work with staff that truly care about them as people, not just as students. We have parents that are very supportive and care about this place,” he said.
The school is just part of the equation. The community is progressing and moving forward as well.
“From a new pool, a new school, updates to housing, to updates downtown, and we are starting to see the result of that, people moving back into our community to raise their children,” Hoesing said. “That is because of the hard work and dedication of people in our school and community that care, and want good things for others, and work so tirelessly and unselfishly to make that dream of Wausa a reality.”
Hoesing said he is appreciative of everyone that has worked so hard to make this community, and this school year a success.
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you, for everything that you all do — not only for your kids and your community — but for my kids and my community,” he said. “This place (Wausa) is special, not because of the place itself, but because of the people. We (my family and I) are so fortunate to live here, and to raise our kids here.”
Hoesing said he hopes people realize how lucky folks around here actually have it, and hopes they work to keep this a great area.
“My wish to all of you is to continue what you are currently doing, continue to promote our school and community, whether that means coming to ball games, concerts, and activities when things open back up, or when things cannot open up, sending a congrats, a “good game” or a “great performance” to kids. Keep in contact with our teachers, and tell them not just negative, but also positive things that they are doing,” he said.
That type of feeling should also extend to the local business district, he said.
“Support our local businesses, and ensure that our downtown continues to look full and vibrant. Most importantly, care about one another, and take a moment away from all the politics and negativity to enjoy these next two weeks with your families. 2020 was indeed a rough year, but rough years teach us how to reflect upon all the graces that have been bestowed upon us.”
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