Learning Together

Message from Troy D. Olin, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction

As we move into March, we begin by reflecting on the meaningful work that took place during our recent Data Half Day. Across the district, teams engaged in thoughtful conversations centered on student performance, instructional alignment, and responsive support. The collaboration, reflection, and intentional planning that occurred throughout the day are strong examples of how we continue to Elevate and Empower, elevating instruction through purposeful analysis and empowering students through targeted, informed action. Thank you for the professionalism and focus brought to this important work.

Looking ahead to our Superintendent’s Conference Day on Friday, March 20, we will continue that momentum.

The morning will begin with dedicated professional work time for planning, preparation, or other professional tasks, followed by district-scheduled collaboration and training centered on strengthening Tier 1 instruction. Teams will engage in structured conversations and learning designed to promote alignment, consistency, and shared expectations across our system.

In the afternoon, we will shift our attention to staff wellness with a flexible, come-and-go Spartan Strong Wellness event at Gates Chili Middle School. The Wellness Leadership Team has planned a variety of activities that support multiple dimensions of well-being, with additional details and logistics to be shared in the coming weeks.

Together, the day reflects our commitment to both instructional excellence and personal well-being, ensuring we continue to support the growth of our students and one another.

Need help but not sure where to start? A new “Who to Contact at Gates Chili” page is now available on the Staff Intranet. This internal guide helps you quickly identify the right contact for topics related to curriculum, assessment, professional learning, field trips and more.

Save time and streamline communication by using this resource when questions arise. Access it anytime on the Staff Intranet or at gateschili.org/StaffHelp.

Last month we focused on the importance of aligning Standards → Assessments → Grading and how that alignment leads to more accurate, meaningful, and equitable grades. This month, we’re building on that foundation by focusing on what alignment looks like in practice: using standards to intentionally design units, instruction, and assessments.

As part of this continued work, many of our teacher leaders are deepening their learning around prioritizing and unpacking standards, and you can expect to explore this more in upcoming Tier One meetings, department collaboration time, and summer curriculum work. Our goal is shared understanding and consistent practices across grade levels, departments and courses.

Designing with Standards as the Anchor

If standards describe the destination and assessments provide the evidence, then unit design is the roadmap. Our curriculum framework emphasizes that unit planning begins by identifying what students should know, understand and be able to do, and that only standards that will be assessed should be included and categorized as priority or supporting. This keeps instruction focused on the learning that matters most.

Prioritizing standards helps teachers identify the outcomes that have lasting value, support learning across contexts, and prepare students for future success. When these priorities are clear, assessment design becomes more intentional and more aligned to the learning we want to measure.

Instruction That Builds Toward Mastery

Clear standards and assessments lead to more focused instruction. Learning experiences should intentionally build the knowledge and skills students need to demonstrate mastery through practice, feedback, application, and opportunities for higher-level thinking.

A key step is unpacking priority standards into student-friendly skills and learning targets. When students understand what they are expected to learn and why it matters, they are more likely to engage, monitor their progress, and achieve success.

Why This Matters for Equitable Grading

Standards-aligned planning supports equitable grading because grades reflect demonstrated learning rather than task completion or compliance. When expectations are clear and assessments measure intended learning, grades become more accurate, consistent, and meaningful for students and families. Even small adjustments in alignment can significantly strengthen clarity, confidence and achievement for students.

Strong instruction, meaningful assessment, and equitable grading all begin in the same place: clear standards and intentional planning.

The Office of Instruction is looking for elementary staff interested in supporting our centralized DIAL Kindergarten Screening this summer at the Gates Chili School Field House.

Screening Dates

• Tuesday, July 14

• Wednesday, July 15

• Tuesday, July 21

Tentative work hours: 8:05 a.m.–3:45 p.m. or potential to flex a day into evening hours.

One date may shift to a half-day depending on enrollment.
Reimbursement: Per the contracted rate.

How to Participate

If you are available and would like to help on one or more of the dates, please indicate your interest on this Form by Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m.

Please note: Completing the interest form does not guarantee a work assignment. Final staffing assignments will be confirmed by the end of the first week of April.

We appreciate your support as we work together to welcome our next class of Kindergartners!

As part of our continued commitment to professional learning and improved outcomes for students, we are excited to share that we have started expanding our training in strucutured literacy to include a small group of teacher leaders that have participated in IMSE Orton-Gillingham Plus (OG+) training.

What is Orton-Gillingham Plus (OG+)?

OG+ is a Structured Literacy approach grounded in the science of reading. It provides explicit, systematic routines to teach foundational literacy skills across all tiers of instruction.

Through this training, educators deepen their understanding of how students learn to read, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners, and how to use assessment data to drive instruction. The curriculum promotes consistency, clarity, and alignment within core, intervention, and special education settings.

Why are we starting with teacher leaders?

This initial phase was designed to:

• Build internal expertise in structured literacy practices

• Strengthen alignment within our MTSS framework

• Prepare for thoughtful and sustainable expansion

Following this first phase, we anticipate offering IMSE OG+ training to elementary literacy interventionists and special education teachers. Our goal is to ensure that when additional staff receive training, the systems, materials, and implementation supports are in place to ensure strong, consistent practice across buildings.

This work reflects our continued dedication to high-quality professional learning and to ensuring that all students receive instruction grounded in research-based literacy practices.

More details will be shared as plans are finalized. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

We’re looking forward to coming together for our Superintendent’s Conference Day on Friday, March 20. The day is intentionally designed to support strong Tier 1 programming through meaningful collaboration, shared learning, and a focus on staff well-being in the afternoon. Please review the schedule below and watch for additional collaboration and training details from your district administrators or teacher leaders.

Schedule for All Staff (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

8:00–9:00 a.m. – Professional Work Time
Begin the day with dedicated time for planning, preparation, or other individual professional tasks. Consider using this time to complete the state required 15-minute Mandated Reporter Addendum as shared in an email from Teri Marsh on Thursday 2/26).

9:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m. – District-Scheduled Collaboration & Training
This collaboration window is a critical part of our work to strengthen Tier 1 instruction and supports. Most staff will engage in structured, team-based conversations and learning opportunities focused on alignment, consistency, and shared expectations. Administrators and/or teacher leaders will provide specific locations and agendas.

12:00–1:00 p.m. – Lunch

1:00–3:00 p.m. – Wellness Experience
All staff will participate in a districtwide wellness experience at the Middle School. Check out the March issue of the Spartan Strong e-newsletter for more information. More information will also be shared in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to Lauren Henderberg, Lianne Dupree, and Tricia Snyder who were the first three to respond to last month's riddle correctly.

This riddle is a special one! It comes from one of our Paul Road students. Check out Avery's riddle in the picture to the right. If you know the answer to this month's riddle, click HERE to submit your answer. The first three (3) people who answer the riddle correctly will receive a special prize in their mailbox next week!

Good luck!