It's a Matter of PRIDE!
May 20-24
Who We Are
Mission: The community of Sunset Valley will educate our students to achieve their highest standards of performance by engaging them in exceptional opportunities.
Vision: To create an optimal learning experience that promotes ongoing collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication with students, teachers, parents, and community members for the success of all students.
Principal Den
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their efforts throughout the year. The success of Sunset Valley is built on the efforts of our entire staff and in this past year, we have enjoyed many successes. Thank you for the commitment that each one of you has shown.
We’ve come through a year that was filled with both challenges and victories. How reassuring it has been to know that I can count on you regardless of what faces us. Please allow me to extend my personal and genuine appreciation to each and every one you for your valuable contributions this school year. Working with you this past year has been a pleasure and I am so proud to work alongside you. It is your energy, talent and hard work that have brought benefits to the students and staff. I appreciate your excellent performance and would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I want to offer my very best wishes and happiness to you and your families as we all look forward to summer and a new school year together.
Bobcat Proud,
Kristen
The Weeks Ahead
- Monday, May 20 - Kinder, 1st, 2nd, & Fine Arts PLC
- Monday, May 20 - PRIDE Rally 1:30 - 2:30
- Tuesday, May 21 - Talent Show assembly 8:30 - 10:30
- Tuesday, May 21 - 3rd grade and 4th grade
- Thursday, May 23 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL/EARLY RELEASE 11:55
- Thursday, May 23 - 1:00 - 3:00 Bobcat Gathering/Vertical PLC Needs Assessment
- Friday, May 24 - Teacher Work Day
Shout Out
Let's give another SHOUT OUT to Jen Cowen for another amazing Career Day and to Tammy Mack for another successful Bobcat Jamboree!
For all you do, for who you are, we are forever grateful you are in our lives.
Convocation T-Shirt Orders
Jeans for the Rest of the Year!
Tuesday - Jeans are an option for you.
Wednesday - In case you forgot, get out your ROCK shirt! You can wear it with jeans.
Thursday - Jeans are an option for you.
Friday - Our normal spirit day - wear a SVES, KISD or other school shirt. Show your spirit with jeans!
PLC
Grade Level PLCs will be asked to reflect on the following then using chart paper. You'll title it with your grade level and then post it during our vertical PLC meeting on Thursday after school:
- Start with the big data – the most current Reading, Writing & Math student achievement data. Fine arts you will also be included in a department PLC meeting.
- Make a list of current strengths and state WHY they are strengths
- Make a list of current problem areas identified in the data.
- Brainstorm suppositions (an uncertain belief) about why the problems exist – still with no solutions.
Vertical PLCs will be asked to reflect on the following after school on Thursday, May 23 from 1:00-3:00. You will also use chart paper to capture your notes & will share with the whole group. The Social Studies PLC will also focus on Reading & the Science PLC group will also focus on Writing.
- Start with the big data – the most current student achievement data. Share your grade level information.
- Make a list of current campus strengths and state why they are strengths.
- Make a list of current campus problem areas identified in the data.
- Using the thinking questions in the four multiple measures areas below, brainstorm suppositions (an uncertain belief) about why these campus problems exist – still with no solutions.
- Who are we? (Demographics - ELL, SpEd, EcDis)
- How well do we do business? (Perceptions- Parent Survey)
- How are our students doing? (Student Achievement)
- What are our procedures, methods and practices? (Processes and Programs)
Thank you for your Feedback!
I will continue to use the feedback from the Principal Performance survey to help make Sunset Valley a positive place for you to work. The feedback that I have had so far has given me a idea of where I am as a leader and where I want to be. My perspective of our culture and what I share with others will continue to be positive because that is what I strive for each and every day.
I still believe in being transparent and I want to share the current results of my performance survey with you. I will not share any of the specific feedback given but if you have provided that feedback, I need you to know that I am going to do my very best to continue to do what you feel I am doing well and work hard to adjust in the areas you feel I am not as strong in from your perspective.
- 3.5 out of 5 hearts - Models a consistent focus and personal responsibility for improving student outcomes. Centers decisions on students.
- 3.5 out of 5 hearts - Takes responsibility for success of the school and motivates the community by modeling a relentless pursuit of excellence.
- 3.3 out of 5 hearts - Acknowledges mistakes while remaining focused on solutions.
- 3.2 out of 5 hearts - When something fails-analyzes data, assesses implementation, and listens to understand what went wrong and how to adapt future strategies
- 2.8 out of 5 hearts - Keeps staff inspired and focused on the end goal. Has strong communication skills and listens to others.
- 3.3 out of 5 hearts - Establishes and implements a shared vision and culture of high expectations for all staff and students—provides supportive feedback, focuses on students’ social and emotional development, establishes and monitor clear expectations for adults and students
- 3.9 out of 5 hearts - Prioritizes student achievement and ensures teachers follow the district curriculum, use data to inform instructional decisions, and utilize powerful instructional practices
- 3.5 out of 5 hearts - Hires candidates whose vision aligns with the schools and whose skills match the needs; develop and grow staff through regular observations, actionable feedback, and coaching. Holds staff accountable to all expectations.
- 3.7 out of 5 hearts - Celebrates excellence
- 4.0 out of 5 hearts - Maintains a positive attitude.
At this time, I have received 26 responses on the Principal Performance Survey. If you have not had the chance to complete it, the link is below. The survey has 10 questions in which you rate me on a scale of 1-5 using the descriptors above. Question 11 is open for additional comments, questions or suggestions.
See Saw
If the subscription is paid for with district funds, we will all move to using this tool to stay in touch with our families. It would eliminate the need for Remind, Class Dojo, etc.
SVES Core Values
We Value:
- Care for our teachers because the impact of their work prepares students for their future.
- Passionate teaching dedicated to content and craft that inspires others.
- Relationships as the foundation for how we teach, learn, work, and play together in a safe, engaging, and caring way.
- Exploration and the pursuit of one’s passion that leads to personal growth.
- Communication and collaboration that strengthens our unity.
- Respect for the diversity of our school community through a culture of understanding and personalized learning opportunities.
Staff Remind
Text @c47d to the number 81010