Bolton’s back at it

Randy Bolton is back in the role of Clarke’s 7-12 Activities Director after 11 years spent at the elementary.

“I wanted to get back into the Activities Department and try to make a difference,” said Bolton.

As Activities Director Bolton will schedule games and events. Having done it before he is able to go back into the role knowing what the challenges are and what it takes to overcome them. Bolton knows one of his strengths is organization which is a major element of this job.

Getting all the schedules cleaned up and organized is one of Bolton’s main goals before school gets going. An ongoing goal for the fall is a core principles and mission/vision statement that parents, students and coaches all share and can be held accountable with.

“If some parent comes to me with a concern about a coach or program we can just look back at the core principles and say ‘This is what we all believe in as our core.’ and likewise I can have the same conversation with a coach if they’re not following along and a parent has an issue I can say, ‘This is what we all agreed on and I’m not seeing that from you’,” said Bolton.

The goal is to have everyone on the same page and have an easy reference to go back to when issues arise. Bolton is getting community members, coaches and teachers involved in the creation of the core principles and mission/vision statement.

“I just feel very strongly that we want to see consistency in everything that we do,” said Bolton. “We have to have that.”

Bolton is excited to start a Big Indian Little Indian program where high school students are empowered to spend time at the elementary to make a positive impact on younger students by playing with them at recess or reading with them. This program gives young elementary students good role models to look up to as well as gives high school students responsibility and a sense of giving back to others.

Bolton has been planning the Clarke Schools Thursday Night in the Park to be held Aug. 22. Food will be served starting at 5 p.m. and an Introduction by Superintendent Steve Seid will be at 5:30 p.m. where members of the school board will be introduced. Door prizes will be given out during the program. The program includes Kennedy Bland, a National Speech Participant performing, a performance from the Fall Musical “Oklahoma”, Youth Football Camp participants will be present and new staff members will be introduced. The Marching Band and Flags will perform, the Clarke Booster Club will be present and the fall sports including cheerleaders, cross country, football and volleyball will be introduced.

Door prized are sponsored by Randy Diehl, First National Bank, Mayberry’s, Playa Margarita, Fareway, Hy-Vee, Percussion, Stoney Oak, Family Table, American State Bank, Timber Ridge, Saylor Realty, Junction Creamery, Subway, Flower’s ‘N More, Great Western Bank, Farm & Home, KD Tire and Pizza Hut.