Dear District Community,
I hope you all had a summer filled with relaxing and exhilarating moments with loved ones. A new school year brings challenges, but I believe it is best to see them as a series of chances to learn and grow. I am confident that our staff and community members will continue to provide excellent examples of maturity, kindness and, especially, leadership to our students.
This year, our intermediate schools will get their first look at the Leader in Me program, which was introduced into our elementary curriculum last year. This program is an evidence-based initiative designed to nurture student leadership and life skills through goal setting, focusing on effective communication and relationship building. Leader in Me, which has seen use in over 70 countries over the past three decades, is based on the book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen R. Covey.
Our district has led the way in keeping internet-enabled electronic devices, mainly smartphones, out of the classroom to avoid the distractions they bring. We were ahead of the curve in our middle and high school, which has allowed us to prepare students for the new state law banning these devices during the school day. Students will be permitted to bring these devices to school, but they must be stored in their school-assigned locker. I fully believe this expectation will continue to improve student concentration and performance.
A pressing topic nationwide is literacy in young students. Our district is heading into the second year of the Schoolwide reading program, which emphasizes reading, writing, grammar, handwriting, cursive and a balance of technology use in the formative K-5 settings.
Our middle school will continue to highlight great student leaders through the Caught Being Kind program, which celebrates students who are seen lending a helping hand around the building. Middle school administration is also asking students to remember FALCON spirit through Friendship, Acceptance, Leadership, Community, Optimism and being Nice.
The high school continues to offer engaging and career-focused classes and extracurriculars. I anticipate more exciting achievements and leadership in the classroom, on the stage, on the fields of play and in the community. The middle and high school learning environments have also seen upgrades through drop ceilings, improved classroom lighting, refurbished floors, enhancements to the auditorium’s acoustics and air conditioning in the band room.
We hope you stay connected with us this year through our ParentSquare communication system and social media accounts. Keep an eye out for information on Coffee with the Superintendent dates this fall. I am very excited to have a chance to speak with community members. I am looking forward to a successful year, and I thank you all for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Kristen Turnow, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools