Tomorrow morning will bring a flood of children into the hallways of Fergus Falls Public Schools once again. The start of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, high expectations, and the shared excitement of what lies ahead.

Whether we are welcoming our youngest learners as they take their first steps into Lincoln School or supporting our seniors as they embark on their final year, our commitment remains unchanged: to create a learning environment where every student is valued, supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. Real growth occurs when we intentionally challenge our students to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Learning requires curiosity, perseverance, and hard work—and our dedicated staff are ready to set high expectations while providing the support our students need to meet them.

I am often reminded of a quote from one of my former teachers: “Your education is one of the few things in life that can’t be taken away from you.” Possessions can break, trends fade, and circumstances change, but the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and character developed through education stay with our students forever. Education is a lifelong investment, but to gain its full benefit, students need to be present.

Across Minnesota and the nation, schools have been navigating a concerning trend of increased chronic absenteeism. While an occasional absence due to illness is unavoidable, missing school regularly creates learning gaps that become increasingly difficult to close. Simply put, a worksheet sent home cannot replicate dynamic group discussions, hands-on laboratory experiences, real-time feedback from a teacher, or the collaborative problem-solving that happens when students learn alongside their peers.

There is an old saying: “The world is run by those who show up.” In school, the workplace, and life, being present gives us the opportunity to contribute, build relationships, and overcome challenges. Success is rarely about one big moment; it is built through the daily decision to keep showing up.

As we launch this new school year, I ask our families and community to partner with us in making regular attendance a priority. We recognize that every family has a unique story, and when challenges arise that make attendance difficult, we want to work with you to find solutions. Our goal is not simply to have students in their seats—it is to have them present, connected, engaged, and ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools, our staff, and our students. I am excited about the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together.

Let's make it an outstanding school year. Go Otters!

Jeff Drake, Superintendent, Fergus Falls Public Schools