Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
This week, we have launched our third curriculum/resource review within as many years. My first year as superintendent, we were continuing with ELA work, which resulted in new K-12 resources for the 2023-2024 school year. Last year, we tackled math, and our K-12 teachers are implementing those new resources as we speak. This year, we are focused on science.
We know that the public data around proficiency in core areas, as measured by the state, is not close to where we aspire to be. It is also important to recognize that we never want our learners to be defined by one test score from one day -- they are so much more. Nevertheless, our work as educators continues to be centered on four essential questions:
- What do we expect our students to learn, based on the Michigan Academic Standards?
- How we will know what our students already know, and what they are learning along the way?
- How will we use learning targets, success criteria, and performance tasks, as well as resources and strategies, to teach?
- What will we do if our students have not learned it yet, or, are already above grade level?
All four are equally important, but the one that sometimes get lost is the last one. Typically in education, we are good at providing interventions for learners that are struggling. What we are not always focused on is the enrichment for our learners that are above grade level. We need to continue to provide challenging learning for them that is meaningful.
Turning back to the curriculum/resource work, it typically takes 3-5 years to see the full results once implementation of quality resources begins with fidelity. It is also not uncommon to see a dip with a new resource in the beginning. Just as an example, if we take the lowest number of three years, this is where we should begin to see meaningful state data related to our more recent changes:
- ELA (reading and writing): Testing date from spring of 2026
- Math: Testing data from spring of 2027
This does not meant that we ignore data in the meantime. We use NWEA-MAP instructional data across the year to measure where each student is, and what they are ready for next. Our teachers use all types of less formal ways to monitor student learning each and every day.
We do have work to do, and we are doing it. It is a mindset of whatever it takes, other than lowering our expectations for all learners.
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
Interested in Volunteering?
Would you like to be more involved in your child's school? Do you have time during the school day or just after to volunteer? We would welcome you with open arms!
In order to volunteer, you simply fill out and submit an iChat form (linked below). This enables us to run a criminal background check in short order, to ensure the safety of all students you may come into contact with. Assuming nothing of concern shows up, you are all set to help out wherever your school may need you -- the cafeteria, the playground, the gym, a field trip, or an individual classroom, just to name a few. If you would like to view our Board Policies in regard to volunteering, please view Board Policy 4205 on our website.
If your home/work responsibilities don't allow you to spend time with us during or right after school, there are still ways to support. Perhaps that might be chaperoning an evening event, or helping to organize a fundraiser for a team or group. Just reach out!
Excused Absences
When communicating that your child will be absent, the following are coded as "excused" per Board Policy 5301:
- the student’s physical or mental illness (verification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner is required after 4 consecutive days of absence for illness);
- severe weather;
- medical appointments for the student;
- death or serious illness of the student’s family member;
- attendance at a funeral, wedding, or graduation;
- appearance at court or for other legal matters;
- observance of religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
- college planning visits; and
- personal or family vacations (form must be completed and turned in at least five (5) days beforehand; see principal for form).
The ABCs of a BOE Meeting
All Board meetings are open to the public, and are conducted in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. On rare occasions, the Board may go into closed session, but only as allowed by the OMA.
If it is your first time attending a Board meeting, you may not be familiar with the structure. Make sure you pick up an agenda on your way in, and if you intend to speak during the portion designated for public comments, please pick up a copy of Board Policy 2504, which is near the copies of the agenda. This will explain the parameters of the public comment portion of the agenda.
As you observe the Board conduct its business, the agenda will guide you. Common agenda sections are as follows:
- Opening of the Meeting (welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, additions/corrections to agenda/minutes, building instructional highlight, any other "organizational" items)
- Consent Agenda (items for approval that do not require a roll-call vote, and without objection from a Board member, can be considered all together)
- Non-Consent Agenda (one or more items that require a separate roll-call vote, such as budget approval)
- Informational Items (examples include resignations, other presentations, etc.)
- Public Comments (3 minutes each, Board members do not respond during the 3 minutes so that each speaker gets their full time; after, Board members may, but do not have to, pose questions or make statements)
- Communication (Superintendent's Report - includes subject matter of public comments; any other Board communication)
- Discussion Items (other matters any Board member may choose to speak about; may relate to public comments but not required)
- Adjournment
Within 8 business days of the meeting, minutes are posted on our website.
See below for information on our next meeting.
