Great Things Going On Now
I would like to offer my appreciation to director of instruction Lori Cooper, director of technology Julio Paez, district librarian Becky Reed and the entire Fyock Community Library staff for the great work they have been doing completing NWEA testing of students who are not required to attend Jump Start based on this year’s TCAP performance. Getting this testing done before the first day of school saves a tremendous amount of instructional time and holds students accountable for retaining what they learned during the prior school year. Library staff members Cheri Garcia, Carol Phillips and Perfecta Guadiana have given up some of their precious remaining summer break to provide this service to the district.
I also want to thank student information systems manager Cindi Brown, director of food service Dianna Valenzuela and cafeteria cook Sheila Segura for coming in this week to train on our new cafeteria student records system. This will help to make things run smoothly as we transition to feeding kids in our new school.
I also want to thank student information systems manager Cindi Brown, director of food service Dianna Valenzuela and cafeteria cook Sheila Segura for coming in this week to train on our new cafeteria student records system. This will help to make things run smoothly as we transition to feeding kids in our new school.
With the ribbon cut and buildings finally open office staff members have been very busy enrolling students for the upcoming school year. Year after year school secretaries Brenda Montoya, Lupita Ortega, Marsha Felmlee, and Deb Lujan have been the first Center Schools employees our new students and parents meet and they do an outstanding job of making our kids feel welcome and excited about coming to school in Center.
Speaking of excited kids, it has been an absolute joy to see Center kids using our new playground and sneaking into the school to see the new building. I truly hope we as a staff can maintain the excitement and anticipation our students are showing throughout the upcoming academic year.
Speaking of excited kids, it has been an absolute joy to see Center kids using our new playground and sneaking into the school to see the new building. I truly hope we as a staff can maintain the excitement and anticipation our students are showing throughout the upcoming academic year.
The Past Week
This past week Center Schools welcomed five new teachers to its staff. New teacher orientation took place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. During this time our new teachers were taught about the district vision, mission, and core beliefs, were instructed on basic lesson planning requirements, and had the opportunity to meet with various Center Schools department leaders about district procedures.
On Thursday the middle/high school jump start committee met to build a schedule for our upcoming jump start program. Jump start provides students who did not perform adequately on TCAP or ACT tests the opportunity to attend a three week instruction session focused on their educational needs prior to the start of the regular grade 6-12 school year.
On Thursday the middle/high school jump start committee met to build a schedule for our upcoming jump start program. Jump start provides students who did not perform adequately on TCAP or ACT tests the opportunity to attend a three week instruction session focused on their educational needs prior to the start of the regular grade 6-12 school year.
Big Things We Are Working On
The top thing on all of our minds right now is getting structures in place to open our doors to students on Monday August 13th. On this day all children in grades PK-5 will begin the regular 2012-13 school session. Jump start will be in session for students in grades 6-12 from August 13th though August 30th. The regular school year for the rest of our grade 6-12 students will begin on Tuesday September 4th.
Construction News
Though the ribbon has already been cut the good folks from GE Johnson continue grounds work and construction of parking areas. By the first day of school we expect to be able to use the parking lot at the Northeast portion of the school grounds. In addition, East entrances to the p-k, 1-5, and 6-12 schools will be accessible, so folks won’t need to enter the school from the West side. Staff will be encouraged to park in completed areas around the administration and adult learning facilities and the old ARC building to save spots for parents choosing to bring their children into the new school on the first day.
Our cafeteria, locker rooms, and playgrounds are slated to be ready for use on August 13th. Construction on the new varsity gym and the Southeast parking lot will continue through the middle of September.
Our cafeteria, locker rooms, and playgrounds are slated to be ready for use on August 13th. Construction on the new varsity gym and the Southeast parking lot will continue through the middle of September.
The Week Ahead
All Center Schools teachers will be participating in Kagan multiple student engagement strategies training this Monday August 6th through Wednesday August 8th at Adams State College. This staff development focus is highlighted in our 2012-13 academic improvement plan to support our efforts to make sure EVERY student is fully engaged in EVERY lesson being taught EVERY day. This focus fits right in to Center Schools’ core belief number 1 “our purpose is to increase academic achievement for ALL students.”
Video of the Week
Our video of the week is a four-minute recap of last week’s ribbon cutting ceremonies. For those of you who were not able to attend the ceremonies I encourage you to take a look. You can access the video at the following link: http://keepingourfocus.weebly.com/videos.html
Thanks for listening again.
George
Thanks for listening again.
George