Parent Engagement Supports Student Success

Recently I attended a Math Program Informational meeting in the district which was followed by the monthly PTO meeting.  Today, I attended the Back to School Coffee sponsored by the PTO.  What strikes me about each of these events is the incredible amount of parental engagement in our schools.  Parents had great questions as we were discussing the pilot math program.  Parents could talk about the instructional technology we are using to enhance learning.  It is truly impressive.  It is not a coincidence that this week the DPI rated the Fox Point –Bayside School District as Significantly Exceeds Expectations on the State Report Card for performance during the 2012 -2013 School Year.  Much research supports the significant role parents play in student achievement.  The home – school connection is paramount to this success and we want to continue to cultivate that partnership as we are engaged in continuous improvement. Thank you to all stakeholders for your work in contributing to the high level of achievement in the district.

Thank You Fox Point - Bayside Educational Foundation!

 A big Thank You to the Fox Point - Bayside  Educational Foundation for their work in raising funds to help improve instructional technology in our schools.  This year, they raised over $30,000 that was used to bring the vision of  Smart Board technology in every classroom. We are almost there.  Please check out their link on the District website.  Below is a picture of some of the members who attended the recent monthly meeting on September 12th.

New Backpacks, Tennis shoes, Opportunities and Learning; I love the first day of school.

On Tuesday, September 3rd, 938 students entered the doors of the Fox Point - Bayside schools. There was a great amount of anticipation, excitement and energy in the district as the staff greeted the students as they entered the schools.

One of the initial things you notice on the first day of school is all of the backpacks.  To me backpacks are symbolic in schools.  They represent that important connection and partnership between  home and school. The packs are empty when they arrive and filled  with books, supplies, information sheets and other artifacts for parents and students to use as they go home.  You as parents entrust us with your most precious possession, your children. We as educators pledge that we will care for them, have high expectations,  and build from  the incredible amount of learning that takes place at home.  This partnership is so critical as we facilitate learning in our schools.

The new tennis shoes that are proudly displayed are a good analogy for the start of the school year. The newness represents the fresh, optimism that they will be able to jump higher and run faster.  Our job as educators  is to preserve that optimism of the new tennis shoes and the new school year and help each student grow and maximize his/her potential.  It is a charge that we will all take very seriously.

 Students welcome back! You are the most important people in our schools and we missed you over the summer.