From the Interim Executive Director

Dr. Betsy Bockman

I welcome you back at a very important juncture in our school year---the close of the first semester and the beginning of the second semester.  I trust that each of you was rejuvenated during the “ too brief “ winter break and you are now ready to take full advantage of opportunities that the new year, 2012,  and the new semester will afford us.

As we approach the downside of this academic year, we must continue to maintain our focus and teach at high levels.  The data continues to reflect that we get what we expect---low expectations yield low results; high expectations yield high results.  As all teachers and schools continue to implement the Common Core Standards, let us endeavor to plan and teach quality lessons that are challenging and enriching to all students. 

As we move toward the end of the 2011-2012 academic year,let us continue to work collaboratively to help our students grow and thrive.  Toward this end, I encourage you to continue to focus on the following:

·      Differentiate instruction by including a variety of learning activities/teaching strategies that reflect the  understanding of students’ needs, strengths,special interests, learning styles, and required learning time;

·      Use technology to engage students in lesson-related activities;

·      Ask questions beyond simple recall and require students to think, synthesize, evaluate, and conclude; and

·      Maintain high expectations for all students.

Our focus is student success.  Let us continue to move forward and keep our eyes on the prize.