D11 Monthly Insights
A School District 11 Communications Publication
February 2020
- Superintendent's Mission Matters: Designing Our Future
- 2017 Mill Levy Override Update
- What is a graduate profile and what does it mean for my student?
- Pikes Peak Library PowerPass for All D11 Students
- Census 2020: Everyone Counts
- #iamd11 and #weared11
- Video story: Martinez Students Make Valentines for Silver Key Seniors
Superintendent's Mission Matters
Designing our future
We are having an exciting school year, and aside from battling Mother Nature and snow, we look forward to a strong finish. Part of our excitement is with the launch of our new strategic plan, but also the supportive work we are embarking on to implant the plan. We recently engaged our community about our Academic Master Plan, which will be finalized by late spring, and now we are starting a parallel process to engage our community about a Master Facility Improvement Plan. As you may know, School District 11 is the oldest district in Colorado Springs, and we are seeing some of this age in our school facilities. We believe it is very important to ensure our students receive high quality education within high quality buildings. This plan will chart a course for us to invest in our facilities over the coming years, so we remain the premier district of choice in Colorado Springs.
This work allows us to reimagine our future and what traditional schools and classrooms could look like. Everything from architectural design, furniture, and our ability to be more eco-friendly are important aspects to consider as we develop our Facility Improvement Plan. As always, there will be ample opportunity to be involved in this process, and we will welcome your input throughout the process. Keep watching for many opportunities to engage in this process. We will be announcing them soon. More information in the coming weeks may be found by clicking here.
Yours in partnership,
Dr. Michael J. Thomas
2017 Mill Levy Override Update
What is a Graduate Profile and What Does it Mean for My Student?
How can schools and families intentionally and purposefully partner together and prepare students for this rapidly changing, increasingly diverse, and interconnected world? Every month in our D11 Monthly Insights e-newsletter, we are offering tips for families to use that will encourage the development of the graduate profile characteristics.
For students in kindergarten through fifth grades, the following skills would fall under the attribute of a skilled communicator:
I make connections to what I read or hear.
I listen and ask questions so I can understand.
I speak for a reason so others can understand me.
I write to share my ideas.
I use digital tools to research and share ideas.
For students in 7th through twelfth grades, the following skills are attributed to a skilled communicator:
I read and research to understand, evaluate, or create new information or ideas.
I listen and ask questions, paraphrase ideas, or make connections that further my understanding.
I plan and organize my speaking for an intended purpose and audience by selecting appropriate language, and I speak with confidence to engage listeners.
I plan, organize, and revise my writing for an intended purpose and audience by blending ideas and concepts.
I use digital tools to enhance my communication in multiple ways and to explore and exchange ideas.
To help your student achieve the attributes of a skilled communicator, ask them questions like, "How were you a communicator today?" or, "What were some ways you shared your ideas today?" Being a skilled communicator also means being a good listener, so asking questions like, "When did you respectfully listen to the ideas of others?" is a great way to get your student thinking about how to actively listen.
Learn more about the D11 Graduate Profile by visiting www.d11.org/graduateprofile.
Pikes Peak Library's PowerPass: Unlock Your Superpower!
Get free homework help with everything from math to writing?
Access hundreds of digital resources and academic databases when you need to do research or dig deeper into a subject?
Easily connect with an online tutor to work through those tough problems or projects.?
Download songs and stream movies?
You don't have to be a superhero to have these superpowers at your fingertips! Pikes Peak Library District’s PowerPass gives your student access to a world of learning, support, and entertainment, all at no cost to you. Learn more about this powerful tool available to all D11 students by visiting ppld.org/powerpass today!
2020 Census: #WeCount!
Tell Your Story #iamd11 #weared11
@Swigert_Titans on Twitter
@SabinSaints on Twitter
@district11vaparts on Instagram
Video Story: Martinez Students Make Valentines for Silver Key Seniors
Contact Us
Email: webmaster@d11.org
Website: www.d11.org
Location: 1115 North El Paso Street, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Phone: (719) 520-2000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cssd11
Twitter: @CSSD11