Dear Parents/Guardians:

Welcome you to the new school year. we invite you to work with us on our Building 21st Century Schools Initiative. The research on schools where students are academically successful, motivated, and emotionally secure is clear.

There are nine qualities present in these schools:

MISSION
A Clear Understanding of a Clear and Common Focus

INSTRUCTION
High Standards and Expectations
Supportive, Personalized, and Relevant Learning Environment
Frequent Monitoring, Accountability, and Assessment
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

LEADERSHIP
Strong Leadership
Parent/Community Involvement and Collaborative Communications
Professional Development
Time and Structure

Much of what we do in our schools is aligned with these qualities, and we want to celebrate those successes. Some of what we do may be an obstacle to these qualities. We want us to work together to identify those obstacles and discover ways to eliminate or overcome them because they are preventing students from being as successful as they can be. It is also time for us to think about new things we can begin doing that will strengthen the schools in one or more of these qualities. Find out more about our 21st Century Schools Initiative, to follow our progress and join us on the journey of renewal, engagement, discovery, and innovation.

A major accomplishment of our effort in 2006-07 was the writing of our Mission and Core Beliefs Statement that you’ll find on the next page. We will have a new district strategic plan this year and each school will be developing a Mission and Core Beliefs statement aligned with the district’s statement and a new School Improvement Plan aligned with the district’s strategic plan.

We wish your sons and daughters a very successful year of learning,