Aschoff optimistic about upcoming school year

Molly Aschoff spends a lot of her time listening. As the new superintendent of Summerland Public School, Aschoff believes listening is one way to hear what needs the system faces. It's a way to gauge essentials and plan for the future.

"I'm hearing a lot," she said. "I think I'm still in that 100 days of listening, getting a grasp of what's going on in the building."

Aschoff, who assumed the superintendent's position on July 1, said she's outlining goals for SPS, ranging from reinstating the Beef in Schools program to developing the district's strategic plan to continuing to expand mentorship opportunities.

She said she'll work to develop and continue programs that benefit students.

Prior to the formation of the Summerland district, some of the schools had active Beef in Schools programs. She envisions firing up the program once more.

"I think it's a positive thing here in the rural communities," she said. "I want to get that going again."

The district recently finished the accreditation process, in addition to the continuous improvement cycle.

"It's time to look at those goals. I think it goes hand in hand with our strategic planning, as a whole. The continuous improvement is more focused on the students' education part."

She envisions those goals working together.

"There are so many great things happening here already. I want to continue those things," she said.

She'll work with educators as they navigate new curriculum, ensuring they have what they need.

"It's overwhelming at the start of a new curriculum, whether it's time or resources to delve into it."

And, she's looking forward to building relationships with students and community members. She would like to see more student involvement, so they take an active role in leadership and awareness of the world around them.

She is impressed with the sense of community within the district and the efforts to continue to build a cohesive group.

"You're still serving three communities and I think it's important to reach patrons in all communities," she said.

One of the biggest challenges she sees is "getting to know things."

"Not just the people, but also the way things are done. I tend to ask a lot of questions," she said, chuckling.

Consider it a learning moment.

At the end of the day, Aschoff hopes students exit high school prepared for the future, whether they're college bound or entering the workforce.

"And, I want them to be good people. Sometimes you have to take your nose out of the book and be prepared. It's hard to teach awareness, but giving kids experiences will help," she said.

Increasing job shadow and internship opportunities is another item Aschoff would like to see expanded, giving students more time and opportunities.

"Even if it's just exploration. Let's have them see what's involved. It may not be a full-fledged internship, but they're at least getting exposure," she said. "How do you know you want to be something if you don't know what it is? We all play a part in that."

She cited Summerland TeamMates as a positive program and recognizes the local chapter needs additional volunteers to fill mentor vacancies. Program leaders are willing to work with time schedules to best fit the mentor's and mentee's schedules.

Aschoff said, "I think it's a phenomenal program."

When students enter the building on Aug. 15, Aschoff will continue to listen and learn.

"I'm coming in at a good time. The facility is phenomenal. We've got great students and a stellar staff," she said. "We're doing great things."