• "Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work so most people don't recognize them."
•           --Ann Landers
•
Our students are determined, they work hard to manifest that determination, and that determination results in excellence in and out of the classroom.  It's a wonderful tradition this district has attained, and our kids will be successful as a result.
• The teachers continue to move toward a more student-centric approach in the classroom, and numerous teachers have commented that project-based learning has created some wonderful discovery learning opportunities in the classroom.  The founder of our new teacher evaluation system, Charlotte Danielson, maintains that educators must look past the traditional role of teaching to fulfill a new role of teacher, one of mentor and partner rather than the sole knowledge "giver." 
• Mrs. Sternhagen and I will attend a training next week that will hopefully give us better insight into what to expect of the new Smarter Balanced Assessment that will be administered to our students later this spring.  Teachers have spent time during the last two in-service days navigating through the practice Smarter Balanced Assessment to better understand what our kids will be experiencing.  Theoretically, the future resulting data from the assessment will help us understand the specific standards with which each individual student requires additional support.
• Scheduling for next year is also underway.  Last week the school board approved a proposal to add a Business program at the high school which is extremely exciting.  New classes such as Introduction to Business, Accounting, and Business Law have resulted, and students are anxious to participate.  In addition, we look to charter an organization, Future Business Leaders of America, which allows students to develop leadership skills that will benefit them in any path they choose.
• Activities outside the classroom have kept our students on the move as well.  Our programs do much to enhance our students' experiences while in school.  Coaches and advisors work diligently in maintaining high expectations through extra-curricular activities as well.  I am always impressed with the effort our students exhibit.  They seem to fully realize the determination that is required to excel in the classroom and out.  And we do notice…
• Thank you for your continued support of our school.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or visit!
• Sincerely,

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