Program:  Platte Canyon School District 
Mike Schmidt, Interim Superintendent, High School Principal and Football Coach
 
Mike Schmidt joined us to talk about our local Platte Canyon school district, an important part of our local Rotary community focus.  Mike started his career as a math teacher and coach 20 years ago.  He has been a principal for 12 years.  When the previous superintendent left last year, he applied for and was selected to be the interim superintendent to provide some continuity.  He is enjoying outreaching to the other schools in the District.
 
He sees the District as a service organization and he to strengthen the cultural to focus on the students.  They have 150 staff members, all of whom he knows and he sees his role as supporting staff in the endeavor.  The first Platte Canyon football game will be this Thursday!  He loves directly working with the players.
 
Because of its size, the school district can provide individually focused education for the students.  He knows the importance of helping students understand the importance of what the curriculum offers---and making the curriculum relevant to the interests and talents of the students. 
 
Teacher shortage is an issue for his school district; qualifications of teachers; and salaries for teachers.  Mike recognizes the need to create an environment that attracts good teachers.
 
 
Announcements/Business:
 
  • The peach sale was very successful:  $8000+ Thanks all for the teamwork. Thanks to Angela for her dedication to this fund-raiser!
  • The Back Pack Project started last week!  Last Wednesday, the evening group got the food ready for the back pack, which they will do prior to their meetings starting in September.
  • The Club Board meeting will be tomorrow evening at Janine’s at 6:00pm.  All Rotarians are welcome.
  • Tom Becker reports that we are having a “tail-gater” at the Well at Bradford Junction for happy hour at 5:30pm this Friday.   We will then go to Conifer High School for the football game against Woodland Park at 7 pm. 
  • The Community Service Committee met last week before the evening group meeting.  Projects they are considering:
    • Nancy Woodson—removing plastic straws in our local restaurants
    • Marlis McAllister—Habitat for Humanity home building in S. Evergreen and trail maintenance
    • Support the recycle project sponsored by Evergreen Rotary, Saturday, September 22
    • Charlotte will send a report and a request from members to provide input on projects you would like to engage in.  
 
  • Wednesday, September 12, the RYLA kids will be presenting about their experiences at Conifer High School.  There will be refreshments.
  • Saturday, September 15, 7:30 am, The District 5450 orientation/education training will be held at Front Range Community College.
  • Saturday, September 15, Rotary will  have a workday at the Mountain Peace Shelter in Bailey.  More details to come.  There will be a BBQ at Suzanne’s after the event for all Rotarians.
  • Saturday, September 29, PeaceWorks is holding Taste of Italy at Glen Isle in Bailey. Tickets are available on line…mountainpeace.org.  Angela is collecting items for the silent auction.  
 
  • The Mountain Area Garden and Home Show Committee presented a check for our share of the proceeds: $16,250!!!
 
50/50:  Happy Dollars