Fred Rogers once said, "...when you sing together, you make one voice...that's true of all endeavors, not just musical ones...". Mr. Rogers' words remind me of the efforts that our school community is making to keep our students in their classrooms. The unselfish nature of many have made in-person learning possible. As I listen to reports of other districts hoping to return to campus this Fall, I am thankful to our community of teachers and support staff who have braved these difficult times, added additional duties to their busy work loads, and have shifted on a moments notice to keep our children in school. I am grateful to those families who have adjusted their lives to quarantine children and to virtual learn when necessary. No one could have imagined what a pandemic would do to traditional teaching and learning, nor could anyone have anticipated the amazing harmony created when a community works together for it's children. Eventually we will look back on this experience with awe and be better for having worked together.

Mr. Tim Pletcher is excited and proud to be the new principal here at Jimtown High School. He has over 21 years experience in education, and this is his 8th year as a principal--serving in that capacity at Oregon-Davis Jr/Sr High School and Clay High School. Tim and his wife, Ann, have been married for 28 years, and they have three children, ages 28, 19, and 17. His wife is super supportive of his passion for education and as such, you will see her just about every time you see him. Go Jimmies!

Mr. Cory Stoner takes the helm as head coach of the iconic Jimtown Jimmies. Cory left his role as social studies teacher at Jimtown Junior High to focus his attention at JHS on and off the field. Today, Cory serves as College and Career Coach during the day and head football and baseball coach at night. Coach Stoner is grateful to be the head coach of the Jimtown Jimmies. Coach remarked, "...Through this COVID season, we have been able to teach so many life lessons that go way beyond the playing field...".

Virtual and Live teaching is far from easy. However, teachers continue to find the best new methods to reach each of our students. The Jimtown Junior High Science department discovered a hidden gem. We are so thankful for the support of our administration for purchasing a license to "Explore Learning". This program offers "Gizmos" that allow students to do science hands-on - virtually. So far, our students have measured mass using a triple beam balance, measured volume using graduated cylinders, and practiced graphing skills, all from home. We are looking forward to seeing Pangea split apart, how earthquakes happen, structure of an atom, how DNA makes changes in Genetics all through a great computer program. These are visual, hand-on lessons that would not be possible for our virtual students, without this program. We look forward to using the program to allow our virtual students to learn science with the best hand-on activities we can find.