BCS Advantage Magazine Special Edition #1 | Page 3

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. TONY BALDWIN This year, priority continues for advancement within the areas of instructional technology, STEM, graduation initiative, and global education. O  ur 1:1 DIGITAL INITIATIVE enters a second phase of implementation extending into grades 7, 8, and 9. Similar to last year, our laptop distribution was preceded by BEST (Blending Educational Strategies Together) professional training for relevant classroom teachers; P  roject Lead the Way – a comprehensive STEM curriculum – will be fully implemented at the elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school levels; The success of the GRADUATION INITIATIVE was represented this past year in our district’s lowest dropout numbers ever! The initiative, started in 2008, now includes multiple community partners aimed at increasing credit recovery opportunities for high school students and providing a middle grades support network; Continued expansion of dual language and immersion programs represent the advancement of GLOBAL EDUCATION. Likewise, efforts will be made to obtain the state’s new approved badges and certifications for distinguished global educators in our schools. The beginning of this school year featured the grand opening of the Enka Intermediate School! The campus represents a state of the art facility with a keen focus on technology. The Nesbitt Discovery Academy, recently designated as a prestigious STEM School of Distinction, welcomed a new class of freshmen. Under the leadership of Student Services Director David Thompson, a national model of Compassionate Schools is being implemented throughout our school system. The model offers great potential as a strong student support system built around a core of resiliency principles in response to multiple life changing events. Another exciting program expanding within our elementary schools is the Leader in Me based on Stephen Covey’s seven habits for success. As you can see, there are many reasons to be proud of our innovative schools and instructional programs. Thank you for your loyal support of our extraordinary students, teachers and staff! s e c i v r e S • s m a r g o r P s t r A • s c i t e l h t A • s c i m e d a c A s t e g d u B • s e c r u o s e R n a m u H i g i D • n o i t a c u d E l a b o l G L l a t education “The whole purpose g n i n r a e of n o i t i r t u N • n o i t a t r o p s n a r T • . M . E . T . S is to turn mirrors e s o p r u P • n o i t a ” u d a r G c e r i D & windows. n o i t into - Sydney J. Harris, American Journalist g r o . s l o o h c S e b m o c n u B 1