A Spirit of Excellence

All of the schools in the BRSSD are excellent and have their own culture. I am thankful for all of the people who do so much work to make all our schools great. But today I want to profile one of them in the hope that people will recognize what an example of educational excellence it has become.

Schools that are innovative, dynamic, and proactive are places children and their families want to be. Schools that value every child, and every aspect of every child, are places children and their families want to be. Schools that provide cutting edge instruction to provide students with the tools they need to take advantage of the opportunity their futures will present are places children and families want to be. Nesbit Elementary is just one of those schools.

Led by Principal Robin Pang-Maganaris, Nesbit has been making exceptional progress in all of these areas. She and her staff have made a commitment to their children, their profession, and our futures–they seek to ensure that, whatever the obstacles, their students will succeed. That may mean that a special education student will grow or a student learning English will become fluent. Or it may mean that a high performing student will be challenged in ways that keep their interest in school and allows them to achieve their potential.

But what have they done to achieve this? In short, they have taken many concrete steps–some of which come from cutting edge research and some from good, old-fashioned, hard work and caring.

First, Nesbit teachers do benchmark assessments three time per year. This allows them to more closely track where their students–as individual learners–are succeeding and where they are struggling. Feedback like this allows teachers to mold the curriculum to meet their students needs. Nesbit is the only school in the District to have adopted this practice.

Another unique effort at Nesbit has been in the area of teacher training. Over the last two years or so, the District has sent teachers from Nesbit to the Teacher’s College for Reading and Writing. They have received top of the line training in new strategies for teaching language arts. In this day when our children will be called upon not just to understand math or science, but to explain it to others, language can be a key skill. Nesbit’s teachers are coming back from the Teacher’s College ready to implement new strategies and to train other teachers throughout the District in what they learned.

Nesbit’s teachers also have received training in Explicit Direct Instruction and Kate Kinsella’s Accountable Responses teaching pedagogy. These elements help ensure that all teachers are able to give kids individualized support and further improves their already quality teaching methods.

Nesbit is also providing 30 extra minutes of language arts and math instruction to its struggling students. Keeping all students moving at close to the same rate of learning helps to allow the teacher to provide a higher level of instruction for both the struggling students and the high-achievers.

Finally, Nesbit has created an after school enrichment class for academically talented 4th and 5th graders. Assisted by Oracle, this enrichment program helps further challenge those children who are doing very well. We have struggled as a District to find resources for sufficient enrichment programs because of our budget problems–Nesbit has found a way to offer one.

Much of what I have described about Nesbit is important…they are just some of the examples of the cutting-edge education its students are receiving. Indeed, some of the best teaching in the District is happening at Nesbit. But what I have left out so far is the atmosphere at the school. And that is often just as important.

The principal and the staff at Nesbit know the kids. There are currently about 350 kids at the school and Robin knows each one by name. The staff has been willing to learn new ways of providing instruction that are paying off … test scores are going way up. Nesbit’s PTA is extremely active and has developed a true feeling of community. Just go to one of their restaurant nights–they pack the place with families who are enjoying each other’s company while making a contribution to their school.

Several things are important when one considers the right school for their child. Things like walking to school can be nice. But the really important thing is what happens at the school … will the child be walking into an innovative atmosphere filled with energetic people interested in him or her as an individual? People willing to go the extra mile to ensure he or she will get a level of individualized instruction not seen everywhere? A place where the staff and principal will get to know them and be willing to help them succeed–both socially and academically? These most important things we want in a school can be found at Nesbit.

The BRSSD has become a destination for families looking for a place to get a high-quality education for their children. And Nesbit will quickly become a sought-after school within the BRSSD–indeed, some parents who see what their child can get at Nesbit have already told me they want to be there.

I want to thank the entire Nesbit community–parents, staff, Robin, and everyone associated with the school–for working so hard to make it such a great educational environment. You are creating a spirit of excellence and making a huge difference in children’s lives.

Celebrating the Good

We always seem to be on the move in this community, running from school to work to sports or other activities. Sometimes things are good and sometimes we are at each other. Every once in awhile, it is good to sit back and consider all we have accomplished. I enjoyed one of those moments this weekend.

The occasion was “Foxtravaganza,” the Fox talent show. Volunteer parents and talented kids have been putting on the show for the last 24 years and it has continued to grow and grow. It was held in the Carlmont auditorium, a wonderful setting. We had kids dancing and singing–from the Kindergarteners to the 5th graders. Several kids had the courage to come out on stage, in front of a packed house, and demonstrate what they can do. They played the piano, the violin, the drums, the guitar–it was a great sight to see.

As many of you who follow the District know, we have been working through some difficult issues. It was good to set those aside and consider, once again, what can happen when a community comes together. Without nurturing schools and families, these kids would not have had the courage to perform. Without parents willing to go the extra mile to choreograph, work the sets, and coordinate all the inner-workings of the show, the kids wouldn’t have had the opportunity to perform. And without the teachers being willing to put up with extra noise while the kids practiced at school, none of this would happen.

Events like Foxtravaganza occur at all of our schools. The kids, their families, and their schools are making every effort to do well. And, though we have to deal with difficult issues and, yes, sometimes argue about them, we do well to stop once in awhile and celebrate the good we do.

Thanks to all who make Foxtravaganza and all of the similar events at our schools happen.

Madness & More

Mardi Gras Madness … the School-Force District-wide fundraiser went off extremely well last night. A big thanks to the merry band of organizers and helpers who pulled off the most successful event ever. Rumor has it that 475 tickets were sold this year … last year’s event had roughly 200. There were people there from every school, including all the principals.

A key message to come from this is that cooperation leads to success. All of the money raised goes to School-Force and then to the District. Those funds benefit every student in the District. Some are helped through reading specialists because they need help with reading; some are helped by having reading specialists work with other kids and thereby freeing up teachers to work with the rest of the class. The money keeps our class sizes manageable, allows us to retain high-quality teachers, keeps the libraries operating, and pays for us to have people like the Dean at Ralston–a very important position at that large school.

Once again, I want to thank everyone who contributed to the event. It was a great success!

Superintendent Search

How can you participate in the search for the new Superintendent? Perhaps the easiest way to visit the District’s website and complete a short survey. The survey asks what qualities you think are most important in a Superintendent. The results will be shared and the Board will have them as part of the material we consider when making a choice.

The further schedule for events is as follows:

Current — Advertising the position

3/4-3/24 — Online survey

3/20 — Community Forum (details to be announced)

4/11 — Profile report will come to the Board at a special meeting starting at 7pm. The report will compile all the information generated.

4/25 — Slate of candidates will be presented to the Board by the consultants

Early May — Board will interview candidates

5/23 — Appoint Superintendent

7/1 — Superintendent starts.

There are also scheduled opportunities for teachers to have input and for the different organizations (PTA’s, School-Force, etc.) to have input as well.

Our goal is to create an inclusive process while respecting the confidentiality of applicants … some may be sitting Superintendents who do not want to harm their relationship with their communities. So please get involved … this is your District … completing the survey takes no time and will be a big help.

Full Agenda for Thursday’s Meeting

This Thursday’s meeting promises to have something for everyone. Ok, it may not be as entertaining as a Broadway show, but there will be a lot of good information … including my favorite part: the Fox School Showcase.

We move our meetings around to the school sites a couple times a year. It is Fox’s turn this time and Mr. Marchetti will be giving us a showcase of some of the exciting things going on at the school.

In addition, we will discuss:

The report from the Measures I & N Oversight Committee

The Ralston Middle School Course of Study for 2013-2014

“Teen Talk” (the sex ed program used in 7th grade)

The potential parcel tax

The 2nd interim budget

An enrollment update

An update on the Superintendent search.

As I said, this meeting is jam packed with things that people care about. Come to learn and offer your ideas. I hope to see you there … if you come, stop by and say hello at a break.

And the search begins …

As followers of BRSSD know, Dr. Suzanne Roy has opted to retire at the end of this school year. We have been extremely fortunate to benefit from her insight, experience, and positive approach to leadership and I am sad to see her go. She and Nellie Hungerford have done great work guiding our District over the last year.

With Dr. Roy’s retirement comes the need to search for a new, permanent, Superintendent. At one of our last meetings, the Board opted to employ a search firm to help us as we engage in the process of searching for the right person to bring our District into the future. Our first step in the journey with them begins tomorrow night at a special Board meeting.

Representatives from the firm will be present to engage in a discussion with the Board about how to structure the process. We will discuss the best way to get input from our community, our employee groups, and our management groups. I fully expect an inclusive process.

A district’s Superintendent plays a key role in setting the tone for how our school’s operate. The required skill set is vast and the job is difficult. Having said that, I am confident that our little district will be an attractive place for quality applicants.

The public is welcome to come tomorrow night to hear the plans. Even if you can’t make it, please involve yourself in the process. There will be ways for your voice to be heard and we will be publicizing them once they are finalized.

Saddened as I am at the loss of Dr. Roy, I am excited about a new opportunity. One that will let us build on our past accomplishments and allow us to continue to provide a high-quality education to our children.

What’s on the agenda for Thursday’s meeting???

Several items appear on Thursday’s agenda that might be of interest to readers of this blog … it should be a good meeting. First off, a slight change. We had planned to meet at Fox, but have changed the location to the District Office. The meeting at Fox will be March 7. Secondly, the open session will start earlier than normal–6 pm instead of 7pm.

Among the items on this week’s agenda are:

1. Superintendent Search

That is right, we are beginning the process of searching for a permanent Superintendent. We have invited two search firms to make presentations and may decide which one to use. Obviously, this is an extremely important position and there must be an inclusive process that attracts highly qualified candidates. This is an opportunity for the public to hear what the firms have to offer.

2. Measures I & N

You will recall that Measures I & N are the bonds that are funding the construction on our campuses. We have tried to limit expenditures, but construction costs are coming in higher than expected. The Board will have a presentation and discussion about different ways we might either limit the projects or finance the currently planned projects. I expect an interesting discussion of the different types of bonds that may be sold. It is on for action.

3. Ralston Preliminary Plan for 2013-2014

The Ralston Administrative Team will present their plans for next year, including their overarching goals, curriculum update, and facilities changes. This will include common core standards, articulation with Carlmont, and the process to mitigate the elimination of lockers. There are lots of changes going on at Ralston & this should be an opportunity to hear about next year.

4. Educational Technology Discussion

The Board will be updated on the District’s progress toward the integration of technology with the Common Core and 21st Century Learning. I know many parents aren’t familiar with Common Core/21st Century Learning and this is an opportunity to learn. Our kids will be confronted with new challenges in the years ahead as both our educational system and economy adapt to new realities. Common Core is something we all need to learn about so we can help our kids and support our teachers as we transition to these new mandates.

5. Approval of 2013-2014 School Calendar

The Board will approve one of two options. Importantly, both options have school starting September 11. Yes, that is later than usual … the late start is necessary for the construction to be completed this summer. It also means the school year ends later than usual–June 25. I know these dates may work some hardship, but there is little that can be done.

In any event, those are the coming attractions for Thursday’s meeting. I hope to see you there.

School-Force

Raising money to support our local schools has become a constant effort and the folks at School-Force and our PTA’s are leading the way. I attended last night’s School-Force Board meeting at Cipriani and heard some very positive news. The push to return surveys was successful and School-Force is well-ahead of where they were last year at this time. Congratulations and thank you.

This doesn’t mean we are done. On the contrary, Reading Power is just around the corner. Your children will soon be coming home wanting to read and record their minutes–even the youngest can participate by being read to. This is my favorite fundraiser of the year because it allows the kids to participate in helping their school by reading–something fun and educational. They aren’t going door to door selling a product. Rather, they are improving their reading skills and asking their extended families and friends to support them.

Leaving last night’s meeting left me with the feeling that our efforts are paying dividends, our plans are working. It also reminded me just how much the parents in our District commit to the schools. Quality schools benefit us all, of course. Not just parents, but also those who don’t have children or whose children are beyond BRSSD.

The money raised by School-Force is the equivalent (even exceeds) of one of our parcel taxes. If not for it, we would certainly be asking for higher parcel taxes from the broader community.

The broader community can step up to the plate by passing another parcel tax. Doing so would help immensely–and allow the broader community to demonstrate its support for our schools and its recognition of the value our quality public schools have to our community.

There is a lot of work to be done and the future is unclear (the Governor’s budget will be revealed Thursday–always an interesting document), but I can attest that great things are happening in BRSSD and our BRSSD parents and kids are going above and beyond to ensure they continue.