Superintendent's Update
November 2015
Gratitude
This week I was able to spend time in all 6 of our schools. When I visit schools it gives me the opportunity to greet staff and students and to see what’s happening in our buildings. I look at the physical plant relative to cleanliness and safety, observe how the front office operates and interacts with students, and most importantly I look at the experience of student learning. As I visit classrooms accompanied by the building principal, I am observing the student experience. I see them engaged in dialogue with their peers and teachers, solving problems alone and in groups, asking questions, presenting in a variety of ways, using technology to gather and present information, and many many more student learning examples. Along with the specific learning outcomes we have for students, we are committed to making their learning experience an interesting and engaging one. This takes skill, commitment, and willingness to learn and discover on everyone’s part.
When I talk about the “experience” of being in our schools I am observing what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like to be in our schools for staff and students alike. Do people acknowledge each other by using their name, are people smiling, do children have peers that they are connected to, is there a sense that people belong and feel safe in our buildings? Does everyone have a “voice” that is heard and celebrated? Yesterday at Brewster School, a young girl walked by me and her principal and said, “Good morning Mrs. Heckler, you look lovely today.” A Strong School on Monday, students were encouraging their peers to read a book they had read by using multi-media presentations. Kindergarteners at John Lyman School proudly announced to Mr. Ford and me that they had sustained their own independent reading for 15 minutes. Middle School boys at Memorial School were greeted warmly and respectfully by Mrs. Davis as she engaged in conversation with them. At Korn School team leaders met early in the morning to collaborate for improved student learning.
Finally, yesterday at CRHS a Senior Spirit Day was held to honor senior athletes including the cheerleaders and senior members of the Pep Band. It was an amazing pep rally which included a basketball game with members of the Unified Sports team. The afternoon event was an example of what makes our entire district unique. There is a commitment, pride and level of caring that truly defines our district.
Happy Thanksgiving to you. Thank you for your support!
Senior Pep Band Members
Senior Football Players and Cheerleaders
CRHS Unified Sports Team
Snow Day!
Memorial School Durham Fair Submission
CRHS Pep Band
Engrossed In A Good Book at John Lyman School
Community Round-Up
Brewster School Halloween Fun
Strong School Internet Safety Assembly
Happy Learners at Korn School
PLC: Professional Learning Communities
Our incredible teachers and certified staff members are meeting in Professional Learning Communities this year. Teachers have time built into their schedule to meet with their grade level or department colleagues. This year we are moving towards a type of teaming that includes a more deliberate focus on what and how students are learning, student engagement, and student data to inform our decision-making on instruction. We want to make sure that students learn, that we are creating and sustaining a culture of collaboration, and we are focusing on results.
For more information on PLC’s http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/may04/vol61/num08/What-Is-a-Professional-Learning-Community%C2%A2.aspx
Communication
Please remember if your child is experiencing challenges socially, emotionally or is having difficulty with their school work, please reach out to the teacher, administrator or appropriate school staff. We are here to support our students and do that best when we are able to partner with you.
Dr. Kathryn Veronesi Superintendent
Email: kveronesi@rsd13.org
Website: www.rsd13.org
Phone: 860-349-7200