TEachers In action
The big event last week was Parent/Teacher conference. A great deal of effort goes into planning and preparing for conferences, and then putting in long hours meeting with parents. Many thanks to all staff members for all the effort you put forth into this most important process. Each of you recognizes the positive effect for students that partnering with parents has. Our parents care about how their children are doing in school and they demonstrated their interest by coming in to meet with you and learn how they might support our efforts at home. Thanks to all those who supported the process by acting as translators. We had a great turn out and many positive conversations took place. We could not be more proud of the professionalism with which you conducted yourselves and the positive approach you took when sharing what we are doing here at Haskin.
students in action
Our students are working hard! Walking around the school, visiting classrooms, one sees in classroom after classroom, students who are attending to their work, reading, writing, and doing math. They are also working hard in Music and PE. Yes, there are a few who struggle with behavior or fail to produce their best, but overall it is gratifying to see our students applying themselves to their new learning. Proof of this is the data showing the gains they are making on various assessments. From kindergarten up through 5th grade, our students are making strong and steady growth. This is absolutely due to the hard work and skill of each and every teacher and teacher assistant who works with them, but it also could not happen without the work of the students. They are taking pride in what they do and it shows. We should be proud of them and make sure to let them know that we recognize their hard work.
core beliefs in action
As we continue to meet with educators from other districts at the All-Valley PLC's, it is gratifying to see how Center Schools teachers are viewed as leaders by their colleagues. We know that we began this work before other districts did and we can certainly see and hear the struggles they are having and recognize that we were in the exact same place two years ago, with some of those struggles continuing last year. We continue to face the challenges involved in doing this work. I have heard many of you say that you are happy to share your experiences at the All Valley PLC's about how we "do things in Center," always striving to be humble and honest, without sounding boastful. We have a lot to be proud of,though, particularly the way that our teachers have embraced the work of presenting the curriculum through following the maps, writing well-aligned objectives and DFA's, and striving to present highly engaging instruction. Through your work, you demonstrate all four of Center Schools Core Beliefs. We are proud of you and the work you do!