The leader of the Perry Community School District is getting ready for the upcoming school year, which starts with preparing youth at home.

Superintendent Clark Wicks, who’s been in his position since 2017, tells Raccoon Valley Radio that each year looks a bit different, but his main priority is to create a vibrant culture for teaching and learning. He says now is the time for students to practice making that transition from the summer mode to the educational side, of getting more sleep and minimizing time on monitors. Wicks is encouraging parents to take a moment to check on their children prior to the first day of school.

“Emotionally, how are they doing? If there’s anything deviant from how they had been feeling and you’re concerned, obviously talk to your medical providers or counselors, but if you need some help, give the school a call because we want kids to be ready emotionally, physically, (and) mentally, so that they can give their best try and give the best versions of themselves.”

Wicks understands that the past year and a half has been a time of healing following the tragic shooting that occurred on January 4th, 2024, but is hoping the students feel a strong sense of positive energy coming into this school year. The first day of school for the Perry School District is on Monday, August 25th.