This year I'm looking forward to all the ways we will focus on improving teaching and learning. We’ve hired Educational Excellence to lead us through development of math standards K-12; science curricula are being piloted in our middle schools; Dr. Pam Mears is our new Literacy TOSA, supporting teachers across the district; and Schoolzilla will be available to some of our teachers as a tool to see relevant data to help students.
With the passage of the Student Success Act, our district will need to hear from our staff and from our whole community about the key needs we have, as we apply for access to those funds. Our Strategic Plan will be our framework to categorize the needs that our staff and community identify.
The School Board is moving forward to pursue a Bond for facilities on the May 2020 ballot. BRIC Architecture will help us review and refine our Long Range Facilities Plan, by gathering input from our staff and from our community. We want to both take care of our buildings, and make them better able to facilitate creative learning. More information will be coming out soon for the times and dates and other ways to give input.
What matters to all of us is cultivating a culture of learning and a culture of care for every single unique student. We know each student is unique, and we believe every student can learn. Access-Equity-Inclusion-Opportunity-Understanding is our commitment to meet each student where they are.
I’m grateful for all of you. Let’s work together and move forward this year in Newberg Public Schools!
Joe
