Time for reflection and re-energizing . . .

I can't believe that it is already spring break. At this stage of my career the years seem to go by much faster and that has nothing to do with it being April 1st. Like most of you I will be taking a few days off to reflect and re-energize as we enter the last quarter of the student year.

One celebration that I'm exited about is the progress that we are making on the system Classroom 10 goal focused on key content. We are seeing visible signs in all classrooms that teachers are striving for well-constructed learning goals and are hearing from many teachers how a focus on the components of key content has changed their practice. They are reporting that students are expecting to visually see what the learning for the day is and are also beginning to reflect on how well they are doing during and at the conclusion of the lesson. Not all teachers are experiencing this powerful shift, but it is beginning in many classrooms in our school system and that is exciting to hear and to see.

I also think that our potential to build a high school in the donut hole is resonating with many people in the community. I have been stopped in the grocery store and have received e-mails from people with questions and supportive comments. The fact that this possibility will result in conversations about our need for increased capacity is a very positive sign.

I have much to be thankful for as we continue our efforts to ensure quality learning, every day, in every classroom, for every child.