Region One School District

It is a privilege to work with both passionate and enthusiastic teachers and administrators here in Region One. In all of my years as an educator, I have not worked with a more caring, dedicated group of individuals. Our teachers’ commitment to the education of all children is apparent in all that they do and is greatly appreciated by our students. It is this dedication and commitment that makes our regional district a special one. A new school year creates yet another opportunity to team up with colleagues and renew the commitment to collaborate in facing the new challenges ahead.

Region One schools are making continuous progress in improving student achievement. Each school has implemented Response to Intervention strategies, with teams analyzing data and monitoring student achievement. Our faculties and students are to be commended for continuous improvement on both recent CMT and CAPT scores. Positive Behavior Intervention has been introduced in all schools and we continue to analyze disciplinary referrals to improve overall behavior. In keeping with state mandates, each school now has Student Success Plan teams in place.

Region One continues to focus on the initiative of developing quality curricula and assessments for all subjects and grade levels. Over the summer, extensive curriculum work was completed at both the high school and elementary school levels. Ongoing work on the alignment of curriculum with the Common Core State Standards is essential for improving instructional practices to meet the needs of all students.

We are also facing an additional challenge of revising the new school leader and teacher evaluation plan. A committee comprised of teacher leaders and administrators is currently working with facilitators from Re-Vision Learning Partnerships to develop a quality plan that meets our regional needs while satisfying the state requirements. Once the plan is presented to the faculties for discussion and feedback, follow-up discussion and activities will be held in each school throughout the year, with the purpose of building a shared understanding of what the frameworks and rubrics represent. Much work lies ahead, with the teacher/school leader evaluation plan to be submitted to the state by July 1, 2013.

To enhance professional development, teachers and school leaders will work on identifying, building and supporting professional learning teams in every school. Learning teams will meet regularly to support ongoing professional growth. As learning teams continue to grow and mature, we will need to continue to provide a safe, supportive culture for collaboration that is built upon trust and respect. Collaborating with colleagues over the entire year on shared initiatives will be perhaps the best professional learning opportunities that may be offered.

My Opening Day message to teachers in the region included the following stanza from a poem by Donna Fargo entitled: A Message of Thanks for Teachers –

I appreciate the people you are, and I thank you for your positive influence.

You have passed on invaluable instruction and wisdom and created pleasurable

Moments associated with learning that will always be sweet memories.

Thank you for answering the call to be teachers.

Thank you for enduring impressions you’ve made in the lives you have touched.

Every community needs people like you.

Your contributions are immeasurable.

Your lessons are permanent.

You improve our world.

You are so important.

All of us in Region One look forward to an exciting, productive school year filled with successful learning experiences.