A simple "thank you" seems inadequate to describe what it has meant to see all the support pouring in after the destruction that hit USD 473 and the Chapman community. The donations and hours of hard work that have been given to help everyone affected by the tornado has been phenomenal. Offers of assistance with manpower, equipment, food, donations, and just a word of support or caring have been a great encouragement for everyone.

It would be impossible to acknowledge each individual that has made a contribution to the recovery effort. Alumni from all over the nation have given financially and of their time and energy. We are very proud of all our alumni and thank them for their loyalty. Neighboring districts on all sides have offered use of their facilities, equipment, labor and support for which we are grateful. Area companies, organizations, clubs and churches have donated equipment, supplies and manpower. Children from across the state have collected school supplies for USD 473 students.

And, I cannot say enough about our district staff. Many were on the scene immediately after the tornado and all of our staff have put in endless hours of backbreaking work in the salvage and recovery effort. They have been very flexible and patient, and maintained a positive attitude while working together toward the goal of starting school as scheduled.

The focus of all of this effort has been our students. USD 473 students are fantastic. They have been positive and energetic and appreciative of their new, temporary facilities. Because of everyone's support, we are looking forward to a wonderful school year.

I would like to thank several entities that offered immediate assistance that allowed the district to continue operating through the cleanup effort. The Astra Bank in Chapman made their facilities and office equipment available immediately for meetings and whatever was needed due to the loss of our offices, communication and equipment. St. Michael Catholic Church provided their education center for Chapman Elementary classrooms and their grounds for placement of four modular classrooms. We are very grateful for their cooperation, patience and flexibility. Memorial Hospital offered vacant office space in Chapman for our education center personnel. Doug Thompson provided use of the Kansas Racing Museum grounds for football camp and fall practices. Mr. and Mrs. Jon Stewart donated property near the high school so that our construction tech program would continue. RMI, Chapman, offered its warehouse for storage and office space for our maintenance department. Duckwall Warehouse provided storage space in Enterprise for salvaged equipment and supplies, and the Alida Co-op in Chapman provided storage space and the loan of equipment for clean-up efforts. Thank you all.

Not only do we have Irish pride, we have a positive Irish attitude. We have many things to be thankful for and positive about. Our staff and students are safe, we have the support of a caring staff and a nationwide community, and our facilities can be repaired or replaced. School started as scheduled on Aug. 18 because of team effort. We will do everything possible to give each of our students the same excellent education that has always been provided in USD 473. Our slogan is "Better Schools, Better Communities" and our pledge is "Our Personal Best."

Thank you again for all that you have done for our schools and our community. The board, administration, staff and students are sincerely grateful for your support.

Tony Frieze, superintendent, USD 473, Chapman