Frankenmuth

Dear Frankenmuth Students, Parents, and Community, I am truly honored to have been selected as the next superintendent for the Frankenmuth School District. I have quickly learned that Frankenmuth School District employees, parents and community members are truly committed to the success of the students in this district. Additionally, the Frankenmuth School Board has made it clear that they are invested in this district for the right reason, to provide every student the opportunity for high academic achievement as well as a welcoming place for all. For these reasons, I am excited to be a part of the continued success here at Frankenmuth. People often ask me, what drew you to Frankenmuth? It was more than just the vigorous educational program; it was the level of community involvement, tradition and culture. Growing up, I regularly witnessed this sense of pride throughout the Frankenmuth community and being on-site over the past few weeks reaffirmed that this passion for our district continues to be alive and well. I genuinely value the programs and services in place, and I am committed to building upon past practices to ensure that current and future students have opportunities to explore their interests and find their true passions. On a personal note, I grew up as the oldest of two children in Saginaw Township. My father was a veterinarian, and my mother was my first teacher as a stay-at-home mom. My grandparents lived in Gera, and I have fond memories of chicken dinners and time spent in the Frankenmuth community. I am married to my best friend Jaimi who is an educator with Grand Blanc Community Schools, and together we have two children. Jillian who is eighteen, and Aiden who is sixteen. As a father of a freshman in college and junior in high school, I understand how important educational experiences are and how they shape who we become. My core mission is to ensure your children have positive experiences and opportunities to make their own special memories. This year marks my 27th year in education. My career began in 1995. I have spent 15 years as a classroom teacher/varsity coach and 3 years as an Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director with Swartz Creek Community Schools. I then spent 5 years as the Middle School/High School Principal of Byron Area Schools and the last 3 years as the High School/Alternative Principal and CTE Director of Montrose Community Schools. Additionally, I am a former Drill Sergeant (U.S. Army Reserve), educational workshop presenter and graduate instructor. I know that the past year has been highly stressful for school districts across Michigan and our nation. Many schools struggled with the issue of how to best educate their students while still keeping everyone as safe as possible during a pandemic that none of us could have predicted or foreseen. I am hopeful that this next school year will allow all of us to return to a sense of connectedness, where we can once again see each other's faces and start working together again in collaboration. In the coming weeks, I will provide several Meet & Greet opportunities. The format at each will be relatively informal in nature, and I am confident they will be important opportunities for me to learn more about the history and culture of Frankenmuth. Once the schedule is published, I hope you make plans to attend one of these sessions. In the meantime, or if you cannot attend a session, never hesitate to reach out to me via phone or email regarding any matter. Former New York Giants Coach Bill Parcells is reported to have said, "you are what your record says you are." By that measure, the Frankenmuth School District is one of the top school systems in the state of Michigan. Mrs. Adele Martin has left some big shoes to fill after years of exemplary service, and I will work hard to ensure the district continues to be a great place to be a part of. Thank you again, and I am so thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community! A LETTER FROM THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT, GRANT HEGENAUER 4

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