Champion of a 2010-2011 School Year

The Jefferson and Atchison County 4-H Fairs seem to be a reminder that summer is drawing to an end.  Like a county fair, schools are also a meeting place for socializing and exhibiting the accomplishments of individual members.  Once again, the new school year is welcomed and we invite you to join us for the many exciting school events and activities.

As Dr. Marshall explained in the last Update, there have been several changes at Jefferson County North for the upcoming year.  I have had the privilege of working at the district office this summer and learning first hand about the development of a school budget.  The time has flown by here at the district office, just as I’m sure it has for all of you.  

During the previous three years, you have probably heard and/or read about several of our current focuses, including Curriculum Work, Promethean Boards, Differentiated Instruction and training in Reading for Primary Grades.  This year, we will bring all these initiatives under an umbrella called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).  The state of Kansas developed this MTSS model of school improvement and has been implementing it for the past three years. Kansas MTSS is a system-wide practice providing support for students that utilizes frequent data-based monitoring for decision-making regarding instructional needs.  Our work here at JCN with Curriculum Alignment and Differentiated Instruction have set the foundation for implementation of MTSS.  In July, a leadership team of JCN administration and several teachers completed the initial MTSS 2-day training.  This leadership team will provide the direction for the entire staff to begin implementation.  Personally, I feel MTSS will be a method of pulling together many of our efforts.  It will assist the staff in learning “next-steps” to our improvement efforts.

We look forward to the upcoming school year and hope you share our enthusiasm.  I’ve talked to several parents lately who are eager for school to be back in session.  Not all the students I’ve talked with are sharing the same sentiments with me, but typically once school starts students are eager to be back with friends and enjoying continued learning.  We recognize that parent support is a crucial factor in student enthusiasm and success.  I’d like to thank all parents for your continued efforts in supporting your students.  My own children are now at the age they handle most day to day needs without help from mom and dad.  However, I certainly remember many days we merely survived the expectations of parenthood.  Many of you have probably experienced the same brain-flash as I did at one point, saying “What were you thinking!”  We have two children that at some point seemed to be involved in every activity and event available.  

Parents, please accept my sincere appreciation for the efforts you will give this school year including but not limited to: laundry, mealtime, personal hygiene (dreaded bath time for some), homework, reading parent notes, reminders, encouragement, attendance at events, etc.  If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email or call your child’s teacher or one of the administrators.  

Along with parent and family support, I’d like to extend a personal thank-you to the many grandparents and community members for your support of our schools.  Concerts, academic honors, theatre, art and athletic events here at JCN are attended by a large number of community members.  We appreciate your continued dedication to our students.  If you have reached the prime of your life (age 62) and would be eligible for a senior citizen pass, please stop by either school to receive your honorary pass.  The pass will allow entry to home athletic events free of charge.  

Ending with the theme from my introduction, I’m looking forward to having a “Champion of a 2010-2011 School Year”.  The dynamic students, distinguished families and community members, quality staff, and dedicated Board of Education at JCN will provide the necessary ingredients for our success.  Thank you for your support!