Great Things Going On
I would like to begin this week by thanking Haskin Elementary computer teacher Chris Hintz for her willingness to step up to help our middle and high schools with planning for post Jump Start NWEA testing. Chris took it upon herself to build a workable schedule to get all testing done last Wednesday and Thursday, and was gracious in allowing for the use of the elementary computer lab to get it all done.
Skoglund Middle School principal Carrie Zimmerman was able to get a slew of staff members to help conduct middle school athletic physicals and 6th grade orientation processes. I want to thank all those who helped by freely giving of their after work time to pull this off for the benefit of our kids.
Finally, huge thanks go out once again to director to technology Julio Paez and his tech crew consisting of Teddy Garcia and Ascencion Najera for working so hard to prepare technology devices to be distributed to all of our students. This year kids in grades K-6, and 9th will be using iPads as an instructional resource. 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will still get to use laptops.
Skoglund Middle School principal Carrie Zimmerman was able to get a slew of staff members to help conduct middle school athletic physicals and 6th grade orientation processes. I want to thank all those who helped by freely giving of their after work time to pull this off for the benefit of our kids.
Finally, huge thanks go out once again to director to technology Julio Paez and his tech crew consisting of Teddy Garcia and Ascencion Najera for working so hard to prepare technology devices to be distributed to all of our students. This year kids in grades K-6, and 9th will be using iPads as an instructional resource. 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will still get to use laptops.
Big Things We Are Working On
At last week’s special board of education meeting our district governance team spent time focusing on the revision of community use of school facilities policies. These have not been revised in quite a few years and with our renewed facility the board is hoping to put in place rules aimed at continuing to allow affordable community access while also ensuring district resources and equipment are protected. Anyone interested in learning more about potential changes to these policies may contact the district office at 719-754-3442 or attend the September 10th meeting of the board when a first reading of recommended policy changes will be conducted.
Speaking of the board, last Friday was the deadline for petitions of nomination to be submitted in relation to this year’s election. Center Schools board of education secretary Yuri Cendejas will be reviewing those petitions this week and certifying names to be placed on the ballot.
Speaking of the board, last Friday was the deadline for petitions of nomination to be submitted in relation to this year’s election. Center Schools board of education secretary Yuri Cendejas will be reviewing those petitions this week and certifying names to be placed on the ballot.
The Past Week
Last week we submitted to CDE required revisions of our annual federal programs application. I also conducted some Race to the top of the Valley work as I visited Haskin Elementary School in Center and Underwood Elementary School in Del Norte to discuss the implementation of a one to one iPad program, and Sargent Schools to meet with their administrators about conducting classroom walkthroughs to support improved instruction.
Last Friday my attention turned to working with teachers in aligning the Colorado Sample curriculum to the Focal Point curriculum, as well as building relationships to possibly turn our alternative high school into a GED testing center.
Last Friday my attention turned to working with teachers in aligning the Colorado Sample curriculum to the Focal Point curriculum, as well as building relationships to possibly turn our alternative high school into a GED testing center.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday is the first day of school for all 6th through 12th grade students who did not have to attend Jump Start. I will also be attending the Colorado Association of School Boards Fall regional meeting that will be conducted in Monte Vista on Tuesday evening.
On Wednesday I will focus on the details of an SB 191 Liaison grant offered by the Colorado Legacy Foundation, while also working with staff members to develop printing and copying policies aimed at conserving costs and resources.
On Thursday and Friday I will be visiting some other San Luis Valley school districts about the Extended Learning Opportunities grant, while also conducting some classroom walkthroughs here in Center.
On Wednesday I will focus on the details of an SB 191 Liaison grant offered by the Colorado Legacy Foundation, while also working with staff members to develop printing and copying policies aimed at conserving costs and resources.
On Thursday and Friday I will be visiting some other San Luis Valley school districts about the Extended Learning Opportunities grant, while also conducting some classroom walkthroughs here in Center.
Our Core Beliefs
Our first core belief states that our purpose in Center Schools is to increase academic achievement for ALL students. We capitalize the letters in ALL because this is exactly what we mean in Center. This belief comes from a standpoint where we expect that every kid who comes to our district, thought they might not be high performing or circumstances may have caused them to be less motivated to learn, will learn. We also believe that the difference in making sure this happens comes down to what we do with each child. This sounds like a no brainer, but my years of experience in education have taught me that some schools don’t feel this way. Center Schools does, and the growth results we are achieving with ALL students show it.
Thanks for listening once again!
George
Thanks for listening once again!
George