District News
Your link to the advances being made in your schools.
Rising Stars Essay Winners
Curriculum
The district priority this year for teaching and learning has been on completing and implementing the curriculum. Most of the curriculum has been completed, and all teachers have been provided with a common form to implement their curriculum. This opportunity allows teachers time to create more engaging student learning experiences, determine appropriate standards for each lesson, and align all elements of the curriculum, for a rigorous education. Implementation guides will help new staff to better understand how Region 14 teaches the curriculum, as well as see the aligned K-12 progression. In addition, students will have a common experience districtwide.
Science educators in every school have attended training for the Next Generation Science Standards, as they continue completing the curriculum. Some of this training was part of the National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts.
Instructional Rounds
The Superintendent, Building Administration and Coordinator of Teaching and Learning have conducted instructional rounds with a focus on math, and are seeing progress in student learning and engagement. The Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, as well as teacher peers do weekly classroom walkthroughs looking at four areas reviewed in professional learning at the start of the year. Of those four areas, a special focus has been placed on developing student engagement, especially the use of student-centered inquiry-based learning. The other three areas include: feedback to students, clear learning objectives, and assessment of student learning.
Vision of a Learner
A wide range of community members are meeting monthly to develop a vision of what a Region 14 graduate will look like. They will soon be sending a survey to all parents, teachers, students and community members for their ideas.
Special Education Committee
Social Emotional Learning
BES and MES, in collaboration with Yale University, have adopted the Ruler approach (Recognizing, Understanding. Labeling, Expressing, Regulating emotions). This program is highly regarded in the education community.
Students at WMS use second steps, receive developmental guidance lessons as part of their curriculum and “family time” group meetings. The Warrior Way guides the students and encourages respect, responsibility for their actions and fosters good relationships.
NHS has a comprehensive school counseling program assigned to and available to all students. Students meet weekly in advisory which helps develop kindness, respect and a safe school climate. Through the Wingman program students lead advisory meetings for the freshman students. They also join students sitting alone at lunch to make sure everyone feels included. A Wingman member is also teamed up with new students when they arrive at NHS.
Region 14 will host speaker Jeff Yalden on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 PM. Mr. Yalden will bring his motivational message of "Your Life Matters" in a presentation that is relevant to families and students of all ages.
Building Maintenance
Community Involvement
Students at BES just wrapped up their Random Act of Kindness week where students were encouraged to do random acts of kindness out in their community. They also wore red for Valentines day to raise money for the local animal shelter. BES student council presented Rick Wood from “Caring for Bethlehem” a check for $930.80 for the town Fuel Bank. The school raised it to help heat homes for the less fortunate.