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!