“Being successful doesn’t necessarily make you great. What makes you great is when you reach back and help somebody else become great.”
– Joel Osteen
This year we have been celebrating so much change, energy and newness. We have renewed energy in technology, assessment, standards based progress reporting in grades K-5, modern lighting and environmental controls throughout the district, common core state standards aligned curriculum, teaching, learning and future planning – to name a few …
One of the major initiatives upon which we are focusing is a renewed focus on science education. To that end, with the support of our Board of Education as well as the amazing 140 member Superintendent’s Task Force for Middle Level Education’s STEM subcommittee, we built four world class labs this year at one of our middle schools.
It is often remarked that a picture is worth 1000 words … so for a picture of one of the modern labs:
Check this link for a 360 degree view of one of the lab/classrooms.
This year the Board of Education will consider the administration’s forthcoming recommendations to outfit the remaining middle school science labs at both campuses so that all students in grades 6-8 may enjoy a world class facility in which to learn science. Our teachers have been and continue to receive training and in-service workshops on the Next Generation Science Standards, 1:1 Transformative Educational practices, as well as advanced science in their new labs!
As we renew our focus on the shared belief that ALL children can learn and that ALL children deserve learning environments with high expectations it is incumbent upon us to maximize our facilities so that they too can support optimal learning and teaching. We take great pride in our teachers, staff, parents, students, community, and facilities.
Over the past few years We have shored up our technological infrastructure so that we may enjoy robust wifi and connectivity. We have replaced some lighting with LED energy efficient lighting. Our new science labs have energy dashboards that show solar panel electricity (photo electric), wind turbine electricity, and other measures of real life science. Our air quality and air conditioning projects have also enhanced the quality of the learning environments.
Our aim to engage, inspire, and empower is realized and supported by many facets of organization, education, leadership, finance, governance, and community support. While it’s appropriate at all times of the year to reflect and give thanks, it is especially relevant at this time of year!
We are fortunate to have so many supports, tools, and resources to support our noble and challenging work.
