Our focus for the remainder of the school year is outlined below.
Our Mission: Empowering All Students For Success
We empower students every day with skills, knowledge,
understanding, confidence, leadership, mentorship and belief in self. By doing
this, we equip all our students with the best resources to achieve success. Our
mission statement will serve as our compass and roadmap for all district
strategies and best practices.
1. GRIT, Growth Mindset, Relationships, and the Power of
One:
As we move forward, it is important to keep these topics at the focal point of teaching students. We have standards to teach and a state test to take, but those are only part of the equation and are not a true representation of who we are or what we do for students on a daily basis. We will stay focused on incorporating Project Based Learning in our daily lessons and working on the 4 C’s (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication). These skills will better prepare our students for college, career, and life.
Developing positive relationships with students, encouraging them to go beyond their comfort level and to not be afraid to make mistakes, and letting them know they can achieve their goals if they have the passion and perseverance to do so are important in developing our students for their future. Each one of us has an opportunity to make positive differences in the lives of our students. Remember, one small deed, one kind word or thought can positively impact a student’s life!
2. STEM Designation at WTES:
Currently, Winchester Trail Elementary is in the process
of applying for STEM Designation. The purpose of the designation is to better
prepare students for a future that has a significant concentration on the
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields. Data is showing that more than 9-million jobs
will be added in STEM related fields over the next 10 years, and it is our duty
to help prepare students for those jobs. We know not all students will enter
the STEM field, but it is our responsibility to expose them to the STEM areas
at an early age so they can make a more informed decision on their career path.
The STEM designation fits in perfectly with our mission
and with our focus on communication, collaboration, critical thinking,
creativity and Project Based Learning. We are very excited about this
opportunity, and the WTES STEM Designation Team has been working hard on the
application due in March.
3. High School Renovation and Addition Planning:
Construction of the new additions should begin in
February, pending weather conditions. The first phase will consist of the new
media center and auxiliary gym, followed by the addition of the blended
learning classroom area and additional 4 classrooms in the East Wing.
Renovations will occur mostly in the summertime. If all goes according to plan,
all additional renovations should be complete and ready for use in the 2020-2021
school year!
4. Levy Renewal:
The District will be on the May 7, 2019 ballot to RENEW
the existing 5-year Emergency Substitute Levy which expires at the end of this
calendar year. This levy is vital in keeping the District financially stable
for the next 5 years. This operating levy RENEWAL will allow us to continue
with programs and staff that students need to be prepared for college and
careers and to help maintain the safety and emotional well-being of our
students.s academic content, but it
must also be more intentional about fostering critical thinking, communication,
collaboration, creativity, and other 21st century skills and habits of mind
that our students need to navigate and thrive in this complex, rapidly-changing
world.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to a great 2019!
Sincerely,
James Sotlar, Superintendent