By Brian Gray
bgray@ themonroetimes.com
JUDA - Phil Updike, Juda's new school superintendent, probably has a good idea of what it takes for a school district to be successful.
He has what he calls a "full circle" approach to education.
"We want to create an environment where all programs are functioning successfully," he said. "Academics, athletics and co-curricular activities. They all work together to make a successful school."
To create success, it's important that teachers and administrators remember that every child is unique, he said.
"We'll teach children by a variety of methods to help them be successful," Updike said.
Updike, who began his duties in Juda Aug. 1, is taking a crash course in learning about the school district.
"I'm trying to learn about the community and the district," he said. "I'm just learning the ropes."
His crash course isn't Updike's first experience with the Juda district, however.
Updike graduated from Evansville High School in 1986, so he's familiar with Juda and the surrounding communities and school districts.
Before coming to Juda, Updike was activities director and associate principal in the Columbus School District in Columbus.
He was also a high school principal in the LaFarge School District, and he was the dean of students in the North Fond du Lac School District.
He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
As superintendent and principal in a small district, Updike realizes the importance of a community atmosphere in the district.
"A school this size will be beneficial to the community because of the close knit ties with the community," he said. "It's all about people working together."
He and his wife, Ivy, and their 6-year-old daughter Kyli, chose to live in the district, which is important, he said.
"You want to become part of the community. I want to be available to people, and be visible to people," he said.
Updike's positive attitude toward Juda started when he first took the job. The school board welcomed him right away, he said.
"The board has a genuine interest in the well-being of the district, and works to make the situation be as positive as it can be," he said.
The teachers in the district have also welcomed him, Updike said.
"The staff has been very cooperative and helpful," he said.
Updike said he's looking forward to the school year getting underway.
He was selected by the Juda school board July 15 to replace superintendent and principal Gary Scheuerell. Scheuerell was with the district for eight years.
bgray@ themonroetimes.com
JUDA - Phil Updike, Juda's new school superintendent, probably has a good idea of what it takes for a school district to be successful.
He has what he calls a "full circle" approach to education.
"We want to create an environment where all programs are functioning successfully," he said. "Academics, athletics and co-curricular activities. They all work together to make a successful school."
To create success, it's important that teachers and administrators remember that every child is unique, he said.
"We'll teach children by a variety of methods to help them be successful," Updike said.
Updike, who began his duties in Juda Aug. 1, is taking a crash course in learning about the school district.
"I'm trying to learn about the community and the district," he said. "I'm just learning the ropes."
His crash course isn't Updike's first experience with the Juda district, however.
Updike graduated from Evansville High School in 1986, so he's familiar with Juda and the surrounding communities and school districts.
Before coming to Juda, Updike was activities director and associate principal in the Columbus School District in Columbus.
He was also a high school principal in the LaFarge School District, and he was the dean of students in the North Fond du Lac School District.
He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
As superintendent and principal in a small district, Updike realizes the importance of a community atmosphere in the district.
"A school this size will be beneficial to the community because of the close knit ties with the community," he said. "It's all about people working together."
He and his wife, Ivy, and their 6-year-old daughter Kyli, chose to live in the district, which is important, he said.
"You want to become part of the community. I want to be available to people, and be visible to people," he said.
Updike's positive attitude toward Juda started when he first took the job. The school board welcomed him right away, he said.
"The board has a genuine interest in the well-being of the district, and works to make the situation be as positive as it can be," he said.
The teachers in the district have also welcomed him, Updike said.
"The staff has been very cooperative and helpful," he said.
Updike said he's looking forward to the school year getting underway.
He was selected by the Juda school board July 15 to replace superintendent and principal Gary Scheuerell. Scheuerell was with the district for eight years.