Fulton Focus
For the parents and patrons of the Fulton School District
February 1, 2019
A message from the Superintendent
Perhaps you have noted in the buildings and/or in a recent Fulton Sun article the reference to Professional Learning Communities, PLC, and the recognition our faculty has received. So, what is PLC? And, why do we embrace the program? Fundamentally, the PLC framework has been an excellent format to structure student learning and provide support for faculty and students in the process.
PLCs are built around the focus of a Collaborative Culture within the building. Basically, the way teachers, administrators, and staff work together toward a common mission, vision, and action. Focus on a Collaborative Culture is critical to district recruitment and selection of staff, districtwide programming, and general academic improvement. To engage positive student academic performance, the PLC process includes several critical questions to guide student learning.
What do we want students to know? The response to this question is defined by student age, grade level, and subject area. Documents supporting expectations include but are not limited to: state requirements; graduation requirements; various subject area standards and the curriculum which is adopted by the Board of Education. Teachers combine activities for the various requirements into daily lessons for students.
How do we know when students aren’t learning? Obviously, what a student is learning is determined by daily classroom work, various classroom assessments, and state assessments. At the elementary and middle school level, as a parent, you most likely reviewed reading and math scores from a standardized program. Parents are provided Missouri Assessment of Student Progress, MAP, results at the grade level or subject area being tested.
How do we respond when students aren’t learning? And, how will we respond if students already know the subject? Both questions are answered in the same manner. Each building has programs and processes to provide specific student assistance to help each student succeed. Students struggling in an area are provided additional assistance and those students excelling are provided with additional activities.
Several building PLC recognitions are listed in this Focus and the High School staff was asked to make a presentation on their improvement strategies.
We believe and our student performance indicates that the PLC process has been and is good for both students and faculty. Your student(s) Building Principal can review the positive PLC processes that are implemented; please feel free to visit your child(s) building, teachers, and administrators.
Thank you for sending great students to work with!
Sincerely,
Jacque A. Cowherd, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Professional Learning Communities Recognitions
Fulton Middle School was named an Exemplary Professional Learning Community. There are only 24 middle schools with this recognition in the state of Missouri.
McIntire Elementary was named a Sustaining Exemplary Professional Learning Community.
Bartley and Bush Elementary were both recognized nationally as Model Professional Learning Community schools. Only nine schools in the state of Missouri have received this recognition.
Congratulations are definitely in order--a LOT of hard work and dedication goes into this on a daily basis. It's how we do business!
FHS CourtWarming is NEXT week--February 4 - 8, 2019
Coronation
FHS Spirit Week Days
PreK - 8 Spirit Week Days
Movie Night!
FHS Theatre presents.........
It will be here before you know it! Mark your calendar!!!
Important Dates
Friday, February 8 - FHS Winter Courtwarming vs Kirksville
Wednesday, February 13 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Friday, February 15 - No School, Teacher PD Day
Monday, February 18 - No School, President's Day
Wednesday, March 13 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29--No School, Spring Break
Monday, April 1 - Classes Resume
Wednesday, April 10 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Friday, April 19 - No School, Mid-Quarter Break
Wednesday, May 8 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Wednesday, May 15 - Last Day of School, Dismiss 2 hours early
Wednesday, June 12 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Fulton Public Schools
Email: ksnethen@fulton58.org
Website: www.fulton58.org
Location: 2 Hornet Drive, Fulton, MO
Phone: 573-590-8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSHornets
Twitter: @FPSHornets