Our teachers have been working hard to implement new curriculum and learning opportunities in Health, Social Studies, and Character Strong. In addition, our primary-grade teachers administered a new required Oral Language assessment, while our fourth- and fifth-grade teachers transitioned from FastBridge to NWEA/MAP assessments.
These changes require thoughtful planning, flexibility, and a willingness to learn new approaches. I commend our teaching staff for their professionalism, collaboration, and continued focus on what matters most: meeting the needs of our students.
Our teachers are also using student data to make informed instructional decisions and provide meaningful opportunities for growth. On our most recent non-school Friday, teachers developed individual Student Learning Goals (SLGs) for every student in their classrooms, focusing on the goal of achieving a year's growth in a year's time. Teachers also identified specific action plans to help students reach these goals. During weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings, teachers collaborate to monitor progress, share strategies, and adjust instruction to support student success.
This is what it means to cultivate learning: knowing our students, understanding their needs, and intentionally creating the conditions for each child to grow.
