Polson schools support goals that matter to students
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On Thursday, Aug. 29, the Polson School Board and I welcomed our teachers and staff back to an exciting 2013-2014 school year for Polson School District #23 and encouraged them in our core purpose of helping students be successful to achieve their dreams. In putting students first, the Board developed goals that will guide the work of our schools for three to five years. These goals were shared with all staff:
• We, the Polson School Board, set a goal that 95 percent of all students will achieve AYP (or its equivalent) in all core subject areas by 2018.
• We, the Polson School Board, embrace Graduation Matters to prepare all students to graduate so that they may obtain meaningful employment or post-secondary education.
• We, the Polson School Board, will make Polson School District #23 a “Lighthouse District” of excellence in Montana.
In practical terms, a demonstrated 95-percent proficiency in core subject areas will ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary to be successful. Second, ensuring that all students graduate will provide greater opportunities for careers or college training. Third, because students in Polson schools are so successful, this will bring excellence to our community and a place where parents will want to bring their children.
Each of these three-to-five year goals has specific action steps that will be taken to help students be successful. One of our key strategies is to build “teamwork” at each school, “teamwork” across schools and “teamwork” with parents, kindergarten through grade 12. The power of people working together in behalf of students cannot be underestimated. These teams will monitor student learning, intervene and accelerate achievement and help students to overcome any obstacle to their success. The Board and I really believe that this kind
of “teamwork” will enable our students to succeed not only in school but also beyond school. Every one of us can think of a teacher that inspired us or encouraged us along our educational career. I think fondly of Mr. Donald Neu who encouraged my love of biology, in which I later majored at Montana State University, Billings. Every Polson School District teacher will touch the lives of students and influence their success.
As a part of helping students to become successful, we are partnering with Denise Juneau, our State Superintendent of Instruction, in Graduation Matters Polson. The kick-off for this event was Thursday, Sept. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the Polson High School Sports Complex.
You will be hearing more about Graduation Matters Polson in coming days.
