Superintendent Pam Sloan sent a districtwide message to FHSD families Oct. 5 via email. Read the message below.
Dear FHSD Families and Community,
While the leaves prepare for the annual color explosion, the teachers, students and families are preparing to enjoy the best of the fall event and the end of the first quarter.
The academic results of the 2010-11 school year began arriving in July, and the Building and District staffs worked hard during first quarter to analyze the results and to make some school improvement adjustments based on our latest information. Overall, the achievement gains continue to increase and the achievement gaps continue to close. The District and site staffs are continuing to work deliberately to improve the learning of all of our kids including an intentional focus on areas that show a significant need for improvement. Though their work is challenging, our teachers and administrators have a passion for it, and they try very hard to make sure that all of the kids have positive and productive learning experiences every day.
Last year we reduced our staff by approximately 90, and while that has created some challenges, the year has, nonetheless, gotten off to a great start with positive attitudes and energy. The District ended the 2010-11 fiscal year in slightly better financial condition, due to revenues being a little higher than projected and a concerted effort to contain expenditures through careful spending. As a result, we will look at the areas that need some immediate attention to shore up learning needs, and we will work to make sure we get those supports to the buildings as soon as possible.
During first quarter, I visited some classrooms at all levels. The quality of lessons and the engaging learning environments teachers have created for their students is impressive. It is exciting to see them at work with your students. When we return from break, quarter two curriculum will be ready to launch. At all grade levels and in all buildings, there continues to be an academic focus on increasing rigor and non-fiction writing. We try to weave these skills through all of the content areas—not just the core areas. Not only do our employers tell us that our kids need these rigorous skills, but our graduates tell us the same. Jobs in the 21st Century will be highly competitive, and we must continue to make sure our kids can critically think, communicate, collaborate, and create.
I hope that all of our families have a nice break and are able to enjoy this beautiful Missouri season. We look forward to second quarter; we have much work to do with your children, yet. Please call on any of us at any time for needs that you or your child might have. We appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pam Sloan
Superintendent of Schools