Welcome to the 2009-10 school year. I look forward to working in partnership with you as we continue our efforts to engage every student, every day, and help them achieve their dreams.
Students need to see us—district staff members, families and community members—as important parts of the ladder to their dreams. Together, we can be the foundation and support for their journey. Students who take ownership of their efforts will go farther and faster up that ladder of success. The higher expectations we have for students, the more they will achieve. It is truly a joy to watch students blossom and get involved in their class work and projects.
Parents or guardians can be wonderful advocates for their children: setting expectations, checking grades, contacting teachers or school counselors when necessary, attending student-led conferences and school activities, making sure homework is completed and listening to their students.
Mentors from Tacoma businesses and the community play a huge part in giving students additional support and real-world experience. They help students see the connection between the required subjects and the careers the students envision.
For our part, the district can provide the structure to reach those dreams with researched-based curriculum, standards-based instruction matched with state standards and high quality teachers. We continue to explore new options for our students to help them be successful in school and to close the achievement gaps.
This past year, we implemented the Lincoln Center for ninth graders at Lincoln High School with an extended day and year schedule and community mentors. The students excelled during the first semester of school!
We have exciting new programs such as the Science and Math Institute (SAMI) located at Point Defiance Park. McIlvaigh and Gault middle schools closed last spring, and their students will all attend the new First Creek Middle School opening in September on the McIlvaigh site.
It is great to be part of a vibrant community that supports education, working together to help students be the best they can be. Please consider volunteering in schools or sharing your expertise with our students. Join me in making this the best year yet for Tacoma students and helping them scale that ladder to success!