Message from Superintendent Dr . Lynn Moody
Every year when Spring Break rolls around , I am reminded that the end of the school year is very close and that testing is just around the corner . It reminds me of the way I felt when my boys graduated from high school and I experienced this overwhelming feeling of panic ; as if I did not have enough time to teach them everything they needed to know before leaving home . I now feel that same panic for our 20,000 students as the ending of another school year all too quickly approaches .
We are all in this together and I have several challenging and important questions I want each one of us to seriously ponder during these next few weeks :
• What can we do to help our students the most to prepare them for careers and college ?
• Can we push and encourage them to do more ?
• Can we up our rigor ?
• Can we engage in the PBL ( Problem-Based Learning ) activities or inquiry problems that will make them want to work beyond the school day ?
Prior to Spring Break , I had the opportunity to listen to a Vice-President at the SAS Institute Inc ., in Cary NC , talk about leadership . He told us that he sets audacious goals and then encourages his employees to find the answers . He meets with them individually once a week just to listen to their ideas . He said he manages projects - not people .
• What audacious goals can we give our students ?
• Can we design a simple ‘ check-in ’ time just to listen to their progress ?
• Can we ask students questions such as , ' what are you learning , what ’ s next , what else do you plan to try ?'
OUR RSS MISSION - To Inspire and provide opportunities for innovative and engaging learning
Last question … What can we do today to inspire and engage learning ? Thank you all for your support on this challenging journey !
2 • May / June 2016 • Parent Teacher News