Great Things Going On
Last week our 2014 summer school session kicked off. At the elementary level our instructors are offering intense interventions to students needing additional reading and math support, while also reaching out to enrich some of our more advanced students with a 4th grade argumentative literature class. At the middle school level students who need it are receiving extra support through targeted instruction in reading and math, as well as extra instruction in social studies and science. Additionally, the combination of having available two Mexican Teacher Exchange program instructors and a bevy of Americorps CCC workers is allowing us to also offer afternoon enrichment courses in the arts, PE, and reading for students of all ages.
Speaking of the Mexican Teacher Exchange program, Miguel Garcia Meda and Raul Hurtado Perez will be spending the month of June in the Center community to support the instruction of our students. Mr. Meda has a strong educational background in math and Mr. Perez is well schooled in biology. Each will be teaching in our middle school summer school program during the mornings while also offering afternoon enrichment courses, and hosting family education opportunities in the evenings. We are very excited to welcome them to our school community!
In addition to transitioning quickly into summer academic instruction for kids in need of more time engaged in learning, many of our district's students are also gaining the opportunity to hone their athletic skills this summer. Our summer strength training program is already up and running and being well attended by kids. Coaches Scott Poole and Mark Jones have already offered a youth skills basketball camp and are now spending the better part of June
In addition to transitioning quickly into summer academic instruction for kids in need of more time engaged in learning, many of our district's students are also gaining the opportunity to hone their athletic skills this summer. Our summer strength training program is already up and running and being well attended by kids. Coaches Scott Poole and Mark Jones have already offered a youth skills basketball camp and are now spending the better part of June
practicing, hosting, and competing in numerous summer basketball contests. Coach Annie Rice is working diligently with our volleyball players in preparation for a lot of July competitions and the upcoming season. Coach Poole is also preparing our football team for the fall season by supervising a 7 on 7 passing program. Finally, this year Center also has a very active summer baseball program, hilariously known as the Center Pivots. The Pivots have already travelled all over the state playing more than 10 games and experiencing quite a bit of success along the way. I want to take a moment to thank all of the coaches, kids, and parents for their wonderful commitment to these positive activities.
Big Things We Are Working On
Because we are not anticipating having a quorum of directors on Tuesday June 10th, our regular June board meeting has been moved to Thursday June 19th. Our major focus for this meeting will be attempting to finalize our 2014-15 school year budget. In the mean time we will also be working to finalize department head and classified staff member evaluations, rehire all classified staff members and prepare all facilities for the upcoming school year. Other big projects we are working on include reviewing and tweaking All Valley quarterly assessments, preparing for a Race to the Top grant site visit, and preparing for our upcoming 2 year building warranty walkthrough,
The Past Week
This past week I took vacation time to travel to Tucson to visit my father who has been in a rehabilitation facility since mid-March recovering from a leg injury. Though the weather was quite a bit hotter than I am used to any more it was great to see him. Unfortunately he is at the point where he can no longer walk, struggles a lot with communication, and can no longer take care of his basic needs. As I am not sure how much longer he’ll be around I am hoping to spend another week with him during the month of July and will continue to steal away to Tucson as much as I can in the foreseeable future.
The Week Ahead
On Monday morning I have an administrative team meeting related to technology issues such as scheduling benchmark testing and use of devices by students and staff members. Later in the day I will be meeting with Boettcher Teacher Program representatives about some concerns we have with the current program. On the same day I also have an Americorps state grant webinar I need to attend. On Tuesday I will be at the San Luis Valley Superintendent Advisory Council meeting in Alamosa in the morning. On Wednesday Center Schools will proudly host the Colorado State Migrant Education Meeting in the Fyock Community Library. We also have a Race to the Top grant site visitation on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday and Friday I hope to finalize our Federal Programs grant application and budget while also volunteering some time in one of our summer school classes.
Extra Points
This past year Haskin Elementary School 2nd grade teacher Cimarona Kelley unfortunately had to leave her teaching position in January due to health complications she had during her pregnancy. We are pleased to report that after quite a battle with her personal health, including a precautionary flight for life to Colorado Springs, both she and her newborn daughter Ezri Elizabeth Kelley are doing well.
As we understand things, Ezri is still in the hospital, though doing well, under the close supervision of her father Chuck. We hope she and Cim continue to thrive and improve, and look forward to seeing them up and about soon.
Cim asked that I pass along a big thanks to the Center Schools staff. She said, “I was and am truly blessed to have been at CSD. I can't think of a better group of people to work with, and people who supported me when they hardly knew me. You have truly made a difference and my family and I thank you.”
Congratulations to you and your family Cim!
Thanks for listening once again and have a great week!
George
As we understand things, Ezri is still in the hospital, though doing well, under the close supervision of her father Chuck. We hope she and Cim continue to thrive and improve, and look forward to seeing them up and about soon.
Cim asked that I pass along a big thanks to the Center Schools staff. She said, “I was and am truly blessed to have been at CSD. I can't think of a better group of people to work with, and people who supported me when they hardly knew me. You have truly made a difference and my family and I thank you.”
Congratulations to you and your family Cim!
Thanks for listening once again and have a great week!
George