On Monday the Butler County school bells will once again begin ringing. For many this school year marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. I look forward to meeting the boys and girls, watching them grow and learn, and your active participation in our school system. The success of our students is in many ways dependent upon our collective willingness and ability to join hands and work as a team. As the Superintendent of Schools, I pledge to do everything possible to that end.

Beginning on the first day of school our students will dress in accordance with the new dress code standards. We are excited about this change and know that it will make our students look neat, create a safer school environment, and make clothing decisions simpler for parents.

Your school system has also been working on ways to increase student attendance this fall. In short, we need our students in school so that they can learn, and we can teach. Beginning this fall, students will be required to bring a written excuse for any absence from school. A student who misses more than five days per semester may be retained in the same grade.

In addition, we will begin working on using strategies to help our schools make adequate yearly progress (AYP) in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act, which simply requires schools to raise student achievement for all students. Our principals, teachers, and staff will work hard to make this a reality.

As the school year proceeds, I hope to have the opportunity to meet many of you. My family and I are humbled by the opportunity to be part of this great community, and we will make every effort to be positive contributors at the end of the day.

Let's have a great school year. Our children are counting on us!

I am your partner in education.

Mike Looney is the Butler County Schools Superintendent.

He can be reached at 382-2665.