I read the news today, oh boy….

San Juan Classic Day Sailing is hosting an "Open Boat" today from 4-7pm, giving you a chance to visit the Dirigo II (above) at the docks at Spring Street Landing.....

Let’s see what’s going on, around the island….

Vic & Monique Woodward take a small break from their mission work in the Dominicamn Republic to celebrate their 18th anniversary this week....congrats, you guys!

• It’s a quiet wedding, but a cool deal – Aaron King (he runs the Palace Theatre) and Ashley Wright are getting hitched this weekend…congrats, you two!

• Jenny at the Whale Museum tells me that actor Tom Hanks & his family dropped by the museum yesterday….cool.

• Speaking of whales, did you hear about the 40-ton right whale that jumped onto a boat this week? Here’s more.

• I ran into the school district’s new superintendent Rick Thompson the other day on the ferry & asked how his first two weeks on the job have gone… he sent this nice writeup of what he’s been up to!

Here’s more from Rick:

Greetings!

Now that I have begun work as the San Juan Island Superintendent, I want to share with the community a brief update on the work so far.  For the last several months I have been learning more about the district and checking off items on my transition plan list.

This included reviewing contracts, understanding the district budget, becoming familiar with district programs, and understanding community resources.  The District is well organized which has helped my learning curve immensely.

The Board and staff have done a commendable job preparing for state budget cutbacks and adopted a responsible 2010-2011 budget in June.

I would also like to thank so many patrons and partners of the district who have made me feel at home.  I have had so many fun and interesting conversations these last two weeks.  From the strong service clubs to people on the street, I am so glad to be part of this community.  I have been struck once again with the generous and thoughtful community district partnerships and the way this community supports the school system.

Some of the goals I will be working on in collaboration with the many creative staff members in the district include:

• Providing high quality core instruction in light of state funding cutbacks
• Prioritizing and addressing the facility needs of the district in a responsible and economic manner
• Continuing to support the innovative district food service program
• Working collaboratively with community agencies to ensure adequate athletic fields
• Maintaining the high quality staff in the district
• Providing  regular updates to the community on the progress of the district

Please let me know how I can support the education of the child you know.  I can be reached at the district office Monday through Friday.  I look forward to seeing you all.  Your continued support for each student is appreciated.

Rick

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