A message from the superintendent
Focus on the fabulous
January was an eventful month with Jan. 18 devoted to professional learning communities (PLC). PLCs are a way to foster collaborative learning among colleagues focused on continuous improvement and increasing student achievement.
There was a lot of great work being done at our last PLC at both the elementary and the secondary level. The curriculum work is continuing, and the elementary math team worked on their standards-based curriculum maps. The goal is to have a guaranteed and viable curriculum in place that clearly identifies what the kids need to know and be able to do at each grade level.
The ELA team reviewed their literacy program and conversations around GT and RTI also took place throughout the day. The secondary team continued their work on Thinking Strategies and focused specifically on synthesizing information. The focus at the secondary has been on creating a culture of thinking.
The premise here is that long-lasting intellectual development occurs when necessary elements come together. The secondary team has been continuing to train staff to incorporate the thinking strategies approach in every classroom to engage students in higher level thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our administrative team met with Dave Schmid. He is an administrative consultant that has done previous work with the district. This time together centered on working towards creating a vision and design to achieve. Step one consisted of leaders looking at and creating a vision that has the potential to be compelling and inspirational for all.
Next steps will involve sharing out with building and district leadership teams and preparing all stake holders to be effective contributors in the visioning process. There were some great conversations as we all reflected on the “Why” behind the work we are doing. We are looking forward to continuing the work with all stakeholders involved.
Administration also wrapped up mid-year evaluations on all staff members. This work is focused on our goal of continual improvement for our district. Every child deserves excellent classroom teachers and building leaders who are supported in their professional growth. Teaching and leadership are the strongest school based factors impacting student achievement. We are using this process in Center, to provide staff with usable feedback, to continually improve as educators and ensure that all students are learning at the highest level possible.
There are some great things going on in February at Center Schools as well, and this month we want to take a minute to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our staff and students.
Our first recognition goes to our amazing counseling team. Last week, was National School Counseling Week. We want to celebrate our counselors every week and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our students and staff. School counselors make a unique contribution to our school system, and in Center, they go above and beyond the call of duty.
As we all know, our counselors provide social emotional support for our kids on a regular basis. Along with that support, they also provide some amazing opportunities for our kids. Their additional efforts have opened up opportunities for our students including additional programming for after school, preparation for college, post-secondary and workforce readiness, and ongoing learning opportunities with field trips and guest speakers.
Our counseling team teach classes about healthy choices and culinary arts, prepares students for college and other postsecondary options.
The second shout out goes to our Early Childhood team. Every year our program is rated with a Qualistar Early Learning Rating. This year our program improved its score two levels to earn an overall rating of 4! Thanks to these ladies for working so hard for our youngest kiddos, ensuring they get the best start possible.
And finally, we are celebrating the impressive accomplishment of our Knowledge Bowl team. Under the leadership of Hanna Hays, Center students competed in the Regional competition at Adams State last week. Our team took first place and beat Sargent by three points to earn the title! Way to excel and represent Center in a positive light! We are proud of their accomplishment and look forward to seeing them compete at the state level.