August 2007
Another opportunity to make a difference
Welcome to our next opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of more than 11,500 students; 20,000 parents and guardians; and 2,400 peers.
Working together with the resources at our disposal, we have the chance to create a great learning experience for each of our students.
Between today and the end of May 2008, we will have sandwiched 175 student contact days and several days of professional development. In that time, we will complete the “normal” rhythm of schools, though it is changing beats every year.
With our new adopted calendar, we have new opportunities to positively affect student achievement.
The Summer Institute for professional development, which was well-received a year ago, will be repeated, along with a four-day Winter Institute in January. Meanwhile, our Bridges programs have proven successful for increasing student achievement, and this year there will be a Winter Bridges session, also in January.
With many changes being implemented, it is important we reflect for a moment.
The No Child Left Behind Act is important to the district. One of the more visible parts of NCLB is student achievement, as measured by PAWS. PAWS is much more instructionally sensitive than WyCAS. Many people in this district are working hard – on the right work – helping our students make significant gains on PAWS. I am very proud to report that we made adequate yearly progress (AYP) at the district level this year. The hard work and long hours are paying off. Our focused effort has made a
difference!
The many professional development opportunities in our district also are making a difference. Our employees are becoming part of a learning community, rather than a collection of individuals, and that community has a great impact on student achievement.
When I began teaching in 1972, teachers were highly skilled and nearly independent craftsmen. Today, teachers are highly skilled, but we also are learning that we must work and learn together. Schools are becoming much more of a team, rather than the congenial individuals of the past.
Still, as a team, we continue to have work to do. More work was undertaken last year to improve employee and student transitions than I ever remember. Thank you for this work, and let’s continue.
We must be aware of the transitions people go through daily, both students and faculty. Transitions happen very often throughout one’s life. Hence, learning how to transition is a critical skill.
The district offers a program for new employees transitioning into our community and district, as well as, for some, a transition into the profession of teaching. It is very important that transitioning employees participate, and that we support their work.
Gail Sheehy, author of “Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life,” said going through transitions is like being pulled through a knothole: We know it is hard work, but we also know the rewards are great.
Talk to students and parents about the transition into this year. We need to make sure we offer information and programs for them. Likewise, if we can help with the transitions of your life, talk to us.
We are very fortunate to be part of such a committed and caring district. I encourage you to make the next 175 school days a great success for both student achievement and all the other issues we will face.
The challenges are great, and I am confident we will answer the call very successfully. Thank you for all of your good work in the past, and thanks in advance for the good work you will undoubtedly do.
| 