Building Connections and Celebrating Our Community

December: What a great time of year! From school music concerts and service projects to community gatherings and opportunities for kindness, this month offers countless opportunities to connect with others. In our district, we embrace these moments to bring people together, strengthen relationships, and support one another.

Fostering social connection is essential to our well-being and personal development. Schools provide dynamic environments where this sense of belonging takes root and grows. Through collaborative group projects, inspiring performances, and meaningful community service, students cultivate critical skills such as teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect. These activities emphasize the importance of belonging and demonstrate how each individual plays a vital role in contributing to something greater than themselves.

This month, our schools are proud to promote compassion and connection through a variety of initiatives:

• Our Early Childhood and Preschool staff teams and families collected many food items for Family Pathways that will be donated this week. These items will be greatly appreciated, especially over these coming weeks when our students are out of school.
• Cambridge Primary School recently partnered with the Isanti County Lions Club for the Compassion Project, providing food and gifts for families in need.
• Isanti Intermediate, C-I STEAM, and Brookside Schools supported families participating in “Shop with a Hero” and others in “Shop with a Cop,” fostering meaningful connections with local law enforcement and first responders.
• The annual PTO-sponsored Santa Day Event was a great success, thanks to the volunteers and coordination from our Volunteer Coordinators focused on community engagement. This is a PTO fundraising event focused on bringing the community together.
• At Cambridge and Isanti Middle Schools, the first Character Breakfasts of the year were recently held. Many students and their families were recognized for outstanding demonstration of our District Character Traits of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Self Discipline, and Compassion during the first trimester. 
• CIHS students recently showcased their talents during the Jazz Band performances at the Miracle at Big Rock event. Students from the CIHS Character Crew also connected with younger students at Cambridge Intermediate School as a part of their Bluejacket Pride Celebration. 
• Our Community Grad Band held their winter concert at the CIHS Performing Arts Center on Sunday. This free event is always a seasonal favorite and showcases the amazing talent that exists in our community. 

These efforts remind us that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. When students actively participate in community initiatives, they gain invaluable life skills such as a broadened perspective of their surroundings, compassion for others, and a spirit of support. 

Recognizing and Appreciating Our Staff and Volunteers

None of this would be possible without the incredible efforts of our staff and volunteers. Each day, they go above and beyond to ensure that our students receive an exceptional education and that our community remains strong. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and hard work.

Our teachers inspire students, our support staff keep schools running smoothly, and our volunteers share their time and talents to make a difference. From bus drivers ensuring safe travels to coaches mentoring student-athletes, every individual contributes to our success. We deeply appreciate the countless hours contributed by our dedicated volunteers who participate in many programs and opportunities, embodying the generosity and collaborative spirit that strengthen our district.

To all our staff and volunteers: thank you for your unwavering commitment. Your efforts enrich our district and strengthen the bonds within our community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we prepare to welcome a new year, our district remains steadfast in its mission to “Educate, Empower, and Inspire Every Student, Every Day.” In 2025, we will continue to focus on advancing our strategic goals, including ensuring academic growth and success, fostering positive personal relationships, improving the wellbeing of students and staff, and partnering with our community to plan for the future. 

One of our top priorities this year is establishing a comprehensive master plan for the future of our facilities as directed by the Community Task Force that helped us create our strategic plan. Additionally, we are excited to soon form a new Facility Planning Community Task Force to help us with this important work and make recommendations for our School Board to consider. We invite community members eager to contribute to the vision for our district’s future to join us in this effort, knowing that every voice and perspective matters in our planning. Email us at dist-communications@c-ischools.org for more information.

Transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of our work. As we move forward, we will keep you informed of our progress and invite your feedback to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and community. Together, we can continue to build a district that serves as a model of excellence and innovation.

Whether you attend a student performance, volunteer in our schools, participate in community events, or help us plan for the future, we encourage all community members to connect and engage. Our schools are your schools, and your involvement makes all the difference.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of our district’s journey. Here’s to a bright and promising 2025!