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