Dear Covert Community,
I wanted to thank you for the first few months of my superintendency here at Covert Public Schools. I grew up in Tawas City, Michigan. My dad was in the Navy for 20 years, until retirement in 1972. He and my mom then operated a small farm while he worked at National Gypsum where they mined gypsum and actually produced drywall right on site. I attended Tawas Area Schools, where my graduating class was 118 students. I then attended Grand Valley State University to obtain my Bachelors Degree in Math and my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I moved to South Haven in 1997 and have never left. I have a wife and 7 kids, 2 dogs, a cat, 5 chickens and a few Koi fish in our small backyard pond. I enjoy working on cars, fixing things and going to my kids sporting events and activities.
It has been fantastic to get to know the students and staff thus far into the year. I have learned a lot about this position as well as the district. The students and staff are committed to doing well and I truly believe they enjoy being here. This building has a great feel to it, thanks to the work of the entire staff. Although I have met many of you at the Open House, in the car lines or at sporting events, I would like to get to know more of you. I have an “open door” policy, but I would like to make it more official. I would like to propose “Java w/Joe” on the second Thursday of each month as a time for community members or parents to come talk with me 1 on 1. On each of these days, I will be available from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. I would prefer appointment style meetings so that folks don’t have to wait for an unknown amount of time. I will break these 3 hours into 15 minute sessions. My first Java w/Joe will be on December 11th. If anyone would like to meet with me, please call our administrative assistant, Ms. Pullins (269.764.3704) to set up a time. January’s Java w/Joe will be on January 8th if this month doesn’t work for you.
On behalf of the entire staff at Covert Public Schools, I wish you a wonderful holiday season.
Thanks,
Joe Allen, Superintendent, Covert Public Schools