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Superintendent's Message
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The first semester of school is over – where does the time go? As we begin the final half of the school year, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect.
This year has been full of exciting, innovative changes. The Global Integration Team (GIT) is in full swing. Elementary and Middle school students continue to meet for three-week periods, with the GIT infusing core subjects with fine arts and special classes. These learning experiences offer a variety of student-centered approaches to encourage learning at many levels.
Every parent has been asked the age-old “will I ever use this in real life” question. The new global learning model allows students to experience these “real life” uses in core subject areas. The District understands the importance of art, music and physical education in relation to the development of the whole child. Although the program may look and feel different from previous years, the outcome will be even greater.
Students are discovering they really enjoy the intertwining of core subjects, such as math as it relates to proportions in art, probability in physical education or ratios in musical scales. As we move forward, we will continue to monitor the progress of the Global Integration Team and will make the necessary adjustments to best fit the needs of our students.
The Department of Teaching and Learning has been very busy preparing teachers for the new common core state standards which clearly outline the expectations for students, teachers and schools. The new common core standards will take effect with the 2014-2015 school year. By focusing on college and career readiness, our students will be better prepared, gleaning information and skills that are necessary for success in the 21st century.
Lastly, the District will be implementing Infinite Campus, a new Student Information System (SIS) beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. This system will provide more efficient ways to track student data and progress, offering several new benefits to students and parents. Infinite Campus will be accessible through traditional online means, as well as through mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Parents and teachers will be able to communicate on a timelier basis, including a new online survey feature.
Other important SIS additions include payment capabilities for student fees, lunch accounts and participation fees. The new system also enables the District to collect and share information about students entering or leaving the school system through a national records exchange function. Transferring information electronically is not only more efficient, but it will also reduce the possibility of human error upon re-entry. Please continue to look for updates on the new system as we approach the implementation phase.
For the remainder of the school year, my goal is two-fold: continue to offer a high-quality educational system that is preparing all students for their futures and to remain diligent stewards of taxpayer money. As we continue to move forward, all decisions will be weighed against these goals to ensure we always do what is best for the District and our students.
1/3/2012
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