As the end of the school year approaches, I wanted to update everyone on a few things.
We are hosting many end-of-year celebrations including graduation this Saturday at 10:00 am.
Please check with the schools for more information. We have hired two new principals this spring, who have already been preparing for next school year, and will continue to do so this spring and summer. We have successfully completed the first year of the Partnership of Assessment for Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) assessments. And finally, we need to ask for your continued support with the renewal of our mill levy override this fall.
We have been busy this spring with the hiring of new licensed employees. We successfully hired two new principals - Gary Livick will lead the Elementary School (K-6th), and Jenifer Hufman will lead the Secondary Schools (7th-12th). Both principals are excited to join our team and have already begun the work required to adequately prepare for this transition.
The students and staff have successfully completed the new Partnership of Assessment for Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) this spring for the first time. We discovered that the new Chrome Book laptops helped to streamline this new assessment to minimize disruptions to instruction. While schools across the Nation were participating in the PARCC, our state legislators were debating how to reduce the amount of required testing. I am pleased to say that state mandated testing will be reduced by roughly 25% from this school year. Most of that reduction will be in the high school level. Thank you for participating in the PARCC assessments this spring. We will use this data to gauge instructional decisions next fall.
There are many fun and engaging end of year celebrations scheduled throughout the schools. These activities during the final days of the school really add to the lasting memories of childhood. Check with teachers about how to support with your attendance. You can find more information about these activities with each of the schools.
Finally, we are hosting another informative critical budget meeting on June 4th at 6 p.m. in the Commons. Our current mill levy override is scheduled to sunset in 2016, so we need your support to renew this mill levy in order to continue the same level of funding for our schools without a tax increase.
Thank you for supporting another successful school year for our students!
Have a great summer!
Scott Cooper, Ed.D.
From the Principal's desk:
It is with very mixed feelings that I write my final Goose article. I have been part of the Dolores Elementary School family for 27 very rewarding years. I have been blessed by all of the children who have spent time with me, whether as first graders, students with special needs, or as my student body as principal. Each and every one of them has touched my heart, made me smile and kept me up at night with worry. I will miss them more than they know.
And you, the Dolores Community. When I moved here at 25 I never realized what an important part of my life the Dolores community would play. This community is so strong and supportive of our schools. and more importantly, our children. My daughter is a proud Dolores graduate and I can truthfully say, it did take a village to raise her. A part of who she is due to the support and care of this community.
Yesterday I was typing up the list of school volunteers. We have over three pages of volunteers to recognize next Thursday. That's with double columns. I will miss all of the parents, grandparents, and community volunteers with whom I have had the distinct pleasure of working with over the years. You, too, have a special place in my heart and will be missed.
Finally, I will miss my staff. I do not think there is a finer, more dedicated, accomplished staff anywhere. Our staff goes above and beyond for the success of our students on a daily basis. They are care deeply about "our kids" and want the best for them. They, too, have taught me much, made me smile, and, yes, kept me up at night with worry. What an amazing team!
I figure I have written about 1,215 goose articles over the course of my career! This is my last. I wish everyone a safe summer. Love your kids. They are a gift.
Sherri Maxwell
Update: Employment opportunities
Dolores Schools have listed several open teacher positions, with a May 29 application deadline. For more information or to apply, go to http://doloresschools.org/human-resources.
Some of the openings:
Middle school language arts teacher.
High School special education teacher.
Elementary School special education teacher.
High School math teacher.
Middle School math teacher.
Elementary fifth-grade teacher.
Schedule
May 22: Book Swap.
May 26-28: Early dismissal, 1:35 p.m.
May 26: Field Day, kindergarten and first grade.
May 27: Field Day, second and third grades
May 28: Talent Show,: 9 a.m.
May 28: All School Picnic on the Lawn: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
May 28: Character Day: Sportsmanship: 12:30 p.m.
May 28: Last Day of School.
Aug. 4-5: Registration for 2015-2016 school year.