Friday Focus
learning for life
Back-to-School Night
Just wanted to thank everyone again for making Back-to-School night a success. It seemed we had just about every type of student represented. There were families here from high and low income, newer families to the district and ones who've had multiple students already graduate. The turnout was respectable and something to build on.
It was amazing to me the positive feedback I received from parents. Numerous individuals shared with me how much they enjoyed it, and then I noticed on Facebook praise from parents about what a great thing it was.
This email, from Cindy Williams (mom to Spencer), was especially worth sharing. Your extra effort to be here late on a Tuesday night was appreciated by me and by parents.
Dr. Geurin,
Just wanted to let you know we thought the back to school night was very helpful! It was so nice to walk through Spencer's school day and meet all his teachers and ask questions. We were able to find out up front what his classroom assignments will be and establish solid communication with each teacher. I feel like we have a better understanding of what his school life is like which helps us as a family to support each other. Wonderful idea!!
Thank you,
Cindy
It was amazing to me the positive feedback I received from parents. Numerous individuals shared with me how much they enjoyed it, and then I noticed on Facebook praise from parents about what a great thing it was.
This email, from Cindy Williams (mom to Spencer), was especially worth sharing. Your extra effort to be here late on a Tuesday night was appreciated by me and by parents.
Dr. Geurin,
Just wanted to let you know we thought the back to school night was very helpful! It was so nice to walk through Spencer's school day and meet all his teachers and ask questions. We were able to find out up front what his classroom assignments will be and establish solid communication with each teacher. I feel like we have a better understanding of what his school life is like which helps us as a family to support each other. Wonderful idea!!
Thank you,
Cindy
New School Record to Celebrate!!!
Yesterday we received some big news with our annual ACT report. The Class of 2015 cohort had an average composite ACT of 23.4, breaking our previous school record of 22.8.
This news CANNOT be shared on social media or in the press until August 26, since the release is embargoed until that date.
For years, we have maintained a goal of our graduate ACT composite reaching 23. So this is a big celebration. This milestone is a testament to your continued dedication to creating incredible learning opportunities.
Although I am very excited and pleased, I plan to take the news in stride and know you will too. Our main focus is not on striving to have prettier data, or higher scores, though that will likely be a result if we are focused on the main thing, which is to develop each student's potential and to reflect on how we can contribute to student success the best we possibly can.
I believe we should focus on the process and let the results take care of themselves. How can we be more committed, more passionate, and more fulfilled in our work with students each day? To me, that is where the good stuff is.
I'm thankful for all of you! Your commitment to our students and the way you invest in their lives is inspiring to me.
This news CANNOT be shared on social media or in the press until August 26, since the release is embargoed until that date.
For years, we have maintained a goal of our graduate ACT composite reaching 23. So this is a big celebration. This milestone is a testament to your continued dedication to creating incredible learning opportunities.
Although I am very excited and pleased, I plan to take the news in stride and know you will too. Our main focus is not on striving to have prettier data, or higher scores, though that will likely be a result if we are focused on the main thing, which is to develop each student's potential and to reflect on how we can contribute to student success the best we possibly can.
I believe we should focus on the process and let the results take care of themselves. How can we be more committed, more passionate, and more fulfilled in our work with students each day? To me, that is where the good stuff is.
I'm thankful for all of you! Your commitment to our students and the way you invest in their lives is inspiring to me.
Chromebook Check Out/Check In
We are no longer going to allow students to leave class early to check-in Chromebooks. Only the bus riders are really a concern with this to begin with, and we believe there is sufficient time to check-in the Chromebook and still make the bus. We will watch this closely today.
Remember students may not have internet access at home
Please be reminded as you give assignments some students may not have access to the internet at home. Try to be aware of students in your classes this might apply to and work with them to figure out how they can best deal with the challenge of not having access at home.
Next Week at a Glance
Monday
SBU Dual Credit Meeting 10:45-11:30
Tuesday
MSU Dual Credit Meeting 10:45-11:30
Thursday
Class meetings for Homecoming stuff (Liberator Time)
Friday
Fall Intro Assembly 2:30
SBU Dual Credit Meeting 10:45-11:30
Tuesday
MSU Dual Credit Meeting 10:45-11:30
Thursday
Class meetings for Homecoming stuff (Liberator Time)
Friday
Fall Intro Assembly 2:30
Report from IT Roundtable
Wednesday I attended a meeting in Springfield of area business leaders from the technology sector. They are desperate for qualified employees in a variety of areas: software engineers, network technicians, web designers, IT support technicians, and more.
My purpose at the meeting was to share a K-12 education perspective on how public education can help students find an interest in this area and also how to provide learning opportunities so students are better prepared to work in digital related industries.
The message I heard from these business leaders is the need for adaptable learners, employees who are comfortable with change and being self-directed learners. And, they expressed the need for soft-skills like listening, customer service, and professionalism.
It's my belief that by providing more project-based learning opportunities to create authentic learning, we can address the need for soft skills and allow students to pursue passions and really learn more about what they are interested in for their future.
No one at the meeting mentioned that they want future employees with higher standardized test scores. No surprise.
My purpose at the meeting was to share a K-12 education perspective on how public education can help students find an interest in this area and also how to provide learning opportunities so students are better prepared to work in digital related industries.
The message I heard from these business leaders is the need for adaptable learners, employees who are comfortable with change and being self-directed learners. And, they expressed the need for soft-skills like listening, customer service, and professionalism.
It's my belief that by providing more project-based learning opportunities to create authentic learning, we can address the need for soft skills and allow students to pursue passions and really learn more about what they are interested in for their future.
No one at the meeting mentioned that they want future employees with higher standardized test scores. No surprise.