Superintendents Message
Theme: Hawks: High Achievement Where Knowledge Soars
As we begin the 2009-2010 school year our focus on academic achievement remains at the forefront of all that we strive to accomplish. As expressed in our theme we want our students to achieve at high levels and gain the knowledge needed to be successful throughout their lives. Success begins with acquiring knowledge and it is our goal to provide the best atmosphere for learning, a highly qualified staff to deliver instruction and all the resources necessary for our students to soar beyond expectations.
Our theme: Hawks: High Achievement Where Knowledge Soars is supported by six goals that will direct our work in our schools and at the district level. Those goals include: Academic Achievement, Teacher Retention, Recruitment and Advancement, Technology (instructional support), Facility Improvement, Parental Involvement, and Financial Accountability.
We have made tremendous gains in academic achievement but we are constantly looking for ways to improve and working toward excellence. We will be analyzing data to drive instruction and making needed changes in our curriculum. While programs are often excellent resources, the key is to employ and retain highly qualified staff with the care and compassion to motivate students to reach their full potential. We value our staff and will make sure they have the support they need in working with our students.
Major improvements have been made in working through our Five-Year Facility Plan. We have completed the roofing projects, gymnasium flooring/ painting and other projects in our schools and offices. With the budget woes of the past year we are even more conscious of the need to make sound financial decisions. Our School Board is to be commended for making sure that policies are followed and that we are held accountable for making good budgetary decisions. In completing our plans for Facility Improvement we will also incorporate our goal of Financial Accountability
Parental Involvement will increase in 2009-2010 with the continuation of our PLUS (Parents and Leaders United for Success) group and a year-long plan for parent workshops. We have received a 21st Century Community Learning Grant to provide after school programs for students to include a parenting component, the arts, as well as technology. The expansion of the E2T2 Grant will allow us to provide laptops for our students in grades 6-8 with support from a technology coach in all schools. So we're well on our way to achieving the goal of expanding the use of technology to support instruction.
We have high expectations and we intend to see knowledge soar as we work to make 2009-2010 a year of excellence.
Teresa L. Pope, Ph.D.
Superintendent