Dear Parents, Families and Friends of CHS,

This year has been like no other in recent memory, or history.  Suffice it to say neither will the start to our school year. Collectively, we can agree that the end of the 2019-2020 school year was not what any of us had expected, but we learned from those experiences and have come through stronger, smarter, and more resilient.  We have taken the lessons we have learned, trained throughout the summer, and worked closely with medical and educational colleagues to put in place what I believe is a tremendous option of programs for our students.  Is it perfect?...No.  Will there be issues that arise for which we cannot plan?...Yes.  Will there continue to be circumstances beyond our control, forcing us to zig when we were planning to zag?...Definitely.  One thing I can say for certain is that I have complete and total confidence in the entire staff of CHS to continue to rise to the occasion and meet all challenges, both seen and unseen.

I am not only writing this as the Principal of CHS but as a community member since birth, a CHS grad, and a father of three children, one of whom is in 8th grade and one who is a senior this year.  Since March 16th not a day has gone by that I have not had at least one very serious, and at times contentious, conversation about “school”. It is kind of amazing how many people suddenly have my personal cell number and there is no such thing as a “quick trip” into Kroger to grab an item! It is a personal and professional challenge to know that I, alongside most of our educators, am in a position where there are no “win/win” resolutions to these issues. Please know this is a challenge that I and my colleagues take on wholeheartedly, because it means we have even more opportunity to make substantial contributions to those we serve and will work tirelessly to do just that.

As I write in every Welcome Back letter, we are looking forward to another great year at CHS, although I will add “a different kind of great”.  Together, we are poised to take on these new challenges, while continuing to work at celebrating our successes and cherishing our traditions.  The Clarkston community is truly a special place to call home and CHS is truly an extension of our community. 

Sincerely,

Gary L. Kaul
Principal, Proud Clarkston Resident, and CCS Dad!