FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR:

(Reflections from your Director of Education and Student Services)…

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you the happiest of holidays!  You have all worked hard this school year and I wish that you have a season filled with warm memories, good health and much joy as you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.

KUDOS: I would like to thank the teachers who have participated on our district Ad Hoc Committees in English/Language Arts, Mathematics and Technology.  We have made great strides these past few months. I couldn’t have done it without your input, expertise and hard work!  I feel very positive about the direction in which we are heading and can’t wait to see your work in its final format.

Have you checked out: Our new district website yet?  If you have not, I guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised!  Our district Technology Administrator, Cesar Ortiz, worked hard to bring you a professional website.  Be sure to thank Cesar when you see him out at your school site!

AADUSD Goes to College! The District is in the process of formulating an articulation agreement with Antelope Valley College which would allow our high school students to take on-line classes through AVC.  This is an opportunity which will eventually be extended to the adult communities of Acton and Agua-Dulce.  Things are really moving and shaking with curriculum; contact me if you have questions about this great new opportunity for our students.

Can you believe it? The district 2010-11 STAR order has already been placed for your school sites!  It seems as though we just got finished with the testing….don’t forget to check out CDE (California Department of Education) website for great information on the STAR exam, including released test questions.  Always keep of collections of questions for a quick classwork activity when you have extra classroom time.  Remember that practice for the STAR exam occurs all year through, not just in the weeks prior to May testing!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011! With the coming of a new year, now is the time to reflect on past practices: what works well in your classroom and what needs improvement.  Please be a collaborative colleague: teaching is a sharing profession, so share what works with others. Remember the words of poet John Donne: “No man is an island…” .

Let’s work together for the best possible results –(November Director’s Chair/Professional Learning Communities?)  Happy Teaching!

Reader’s Corner: This month’s article is brought to you by Douglas Reeves, a leading proponent of Educational change.  His article about a critical 21^st century skill needed by teachers is one of reflection.  I hope you enjoy it!

From the Director’s Chair:

(Reflections from your Director of Educational Services)

It is a time to give thanks, and I truly give thanks for all of you!  It has been a real pleasure to work so closely with many of you this past month.  We have begun the important work and are busy as a result.  Things are finally calming down somewhat and the real process of education is beginning.  It is exciting to see where we are going in this district.  I want you to all have a great Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy your week off…the rest is well deserved!

Many Thanks… To all teachers who have served on our Ad Hoc Committees this past month in English/Language Arts, Mathematics and Technology.  Several more teachers have volunteered to be a part of these trendsetting panels for November and December.  You are all trailblazers!  We face a difficult task in updating the district technology plan, establishing benchmark assessments, pacing guides, looking at data and teaching practices; however, your enthusiasm and professionalism has made this job rewarding.  What great teachers we have at AADUSD!

Don’t Forget: Since this is the month of gratitude, don’t forget to thank our wonderful classified staff for all they do around our schools and for the students.  Without our school secretaries, instructional/SPED aides, supervision aides, food service workers, maintenance and transportation staff, the district would cease to function.  Their importance is immeasurable.  Take some time to tell them how much they add to our district!

This month’s reading… I would like to share the concept of Professional Learning Communities with you.  In order for us to develop sound instructional practices, we need to come together and share our successes and to overcome our obstacles.  The enclosed article was the cornerstone to this movement.  The author is the leader in the field.  I hope you enjoy reading this and it makes you think of your school site, the district and how we can implement these components to make an outstanding learning environment.  Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

Fondly,

Cindy

October, 2010

From the Director’s Chair…

(Reflections from your Director of Education and Student Services)

It’s that time of year when you are getting to know the students well and classroom activities are in full swing!  It was my pleasure to see you all at Back to School night…teachers and staff did a fantastic job in putting on informative and fun community evenings.  In my rounds of your classrooms, I have been so impressed with the energetic teaching and nurturing atmosphere you are providing for your students.  Try to get out and see your colleagues in action….I promise you won’t be disappointed with the fine teaching you will experience.  Keep up the good work!

The district continues to experience change and growth.  Keep posted for the new district website.  Cesar is currently working very hard on the new format which I promise will be user friendly and informative!

Don’t forget to ask your principals about the district mini-grant if you have not already done so.  We need you to apply…the possibilities are endless!  Get creative and be sure to turn in your paperwork soon.  The money is burning a hole in our pockets….we want award you the money for your classroom endeavors.

Curriculum ad hoc committees are being formed in English/Language Arts and Mathematics.  These committees will be instrumental in evaluating curriculum and interpreting data.  If you would like to be part of our district change cycle, then submit your name to your site principal immediately.

Welcome: The school year has begun, but the new staff just keeps on coming!  We welcome to our AADUSD family Matthew Ingle, who is teaching Chemistry at VHS.  It is great to have Matt on board as a Mustang!  “Bienvenido” to Patricia Roposo-Reyes, Spanish teacher.  She rounds out the foreign language department at VHS.

With the course offerings at VHS expanding, a second full time foreign language teacher is a first in the high school’s 17 year history.  Welcome to our new faculty!

Kudos: As you are aware, our district-wide API scores have now been posted.  All of our district teachers and staff have worked hard this year to help our students achieve on state standardized exams. Extra special congratulations are in order for Agua-Dulce Elementary School, with an amazing 49 point increase on their API!  High Desert School shot up 28 points on their API. Great job!  In addition, our elementary schools continue to hold API scores above the 800 mark.  While we do not teach to the exams, I know that what you teach is being reflected in the scores.

I would also like to take the time to salute our instructional aides, who partner with our teaching staff.  They are our side-by-side partners in education, and are indispensable to our classroom success.  Be sure to take the time to thank them for their hard work in your classroom…

In working at the district office, it has been my privilege to work closely with our fantastic transportation department.  Everyday our drivers continue to amaze me with their patience and concern for our students.  Besides being one of the few districts in the area to still transport high school students,  our drivers frequently “go beyond” in picking up and dropping off our students, especially our students who have special needs.  So the next time you see one of our drivers, please acknowledge them with a wave in their direction!

Reader’s Corner: This month’s article (found on page 3) is designed to enhance your relationship with your students.  Regardless of whether you teach elementary or secondary grades, very little can be accomplished by a teacher who possesses no rapport with students.  However, keep in mind respectful limits: teachers who seek too much personal information are seen as unprofessional.  It is fine line we walk, but that is one of the aspects which makes teaching a difficult profession.  Enjoy the article, and have a wonderful month!  Happy fall!

With Fond Regards,

Cindy