Following its December meeting, the Anthony Wayne Board of Education participated in a tour of the District. Members visited each building to observe a regular school day, ending with lunch with students at Monclova Primary. After their visit, Board members Lindsay Hoipkemier and Mike Stamm shared their impressions:
Lindsay Hoipkemier"I was truly impressed by the respectful behavior of our students! During our tours, there were several moments when we entered classrooms where students were engaged in various learning activities or instruction. They stayed focused on the task at hand, demonstrating exceptional concentration and focus.
I was particularly struck by the many opportunities students had to work in groups, both inside and outside the classroom. In every instance, they made the most of their time and used their inside voices, creating a calm and productive environment. We also saw several classes walking through the halls, and I was thoroughly impressed by how quietly and respectfully all the students conducted themselves.
Additionally, the level of cleanliness and organization in every building and classroom we visited was impeccable. Given the constant flow of students, this is no small feat, and it truly stood out to me.
One of the highlights of the day was having lunch with the second graders at Monclova Primary. I had the pleasure of sitting with a group of four second grade girls, and we had a delightful conversation about pets, school, and their Christmas wish lists. When I asked them what they would want for their school, one of the girls said, "A swimming pool!"
I didn't think it was possible to be more impressed with our school district, but yesterday’s experience truly exceeded my expectations. It was, by far, my favorite moment in this school board member role to date. I am so grateful to Kevin [Herman] for organizing this experience, and I hope we can continue to engage with students, staff, and administration in similar ways in the future."
Mike StammWe saw a lot of impressive things touring classrooms. Kids were all over the place, but in a good way - totally absorbed. We walked into one room where they were deep into their books, not even seeming to notice us. Then there was this awesome escape room setup, where the kids were all about teamwork and cracking puzzles. In another class, little ones were having a blast learning their alphabet sounds - you could see the lightbulb moments happening. We also caught a group making their own pasta sauce from scratch. The whole room smelled amazing, and the kids were so proud of what they were cooking up.
It was amazing seeing such engaged and happy students. I can't wait for our next visit.
Kyle Miller
"I would like to begin by extending my heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff and students who graciously took time out of their busy schedules to welcome us into our school buildings. It was an honor to experience firsthand the day-to-day operations, the remarkable achievements, and the collaborative conversations on how we can continue to elevate our district.
What I witnessed during the tours reaffirmed the incredible work being done across our schools. I had the privilege of observing our special education programs, where the dedication of the staff is truly inspiring. The hands-on learning, the individualized care, and the warm, supportive environment they create for students are nothing short of exceptional. It’s clear that their commitment is helping every student thrive.
I was also deeply impressed by the security measures in place throughout the district. Conversations with building administrators allowed me to see the meticulous attention to safety and the robust security systems we have established. It was reassuring to witness the staff’s proactive approach to ensuring a safe and secure environment for both students and staff. There’s no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to safety, and it was evident that every detail has been carefully thought through.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the day was meeting so many of our outstanding staff members, including some of my former teachers. The passion, enthusiasm, and dedication I saw from every individual was palpable. It was a true reminder of why we do what we do—to support and empower both students and staff. The energy, positivity, and pride in the buildings, as well as the achievements of our students, left a lasting impression on me.
I cannot express enough how truly incredible these tours were. They were a testament to the dedication and excellence that defines our district. I look forward to continuing our shared work in making our schools even better, and I am filled with optimism for the future of our community.
Thank you again to everyone who made these tours possible."