Principal Update to PTO 9/23/09 Christopher Haskins, Principal School Updates Sept. 1-22 Faculty and Staff Orientation DCS held an orientation to open the school year on Aug 31. Teachers throughout the district gathered at Babcock Hall to listen to addresses given by the Superintendent of Schools Mr. Welford and the School Committee Chairperson Mr. Murano. The Westerly Teachers Association announced the WTA Teacher of the Year Mrs. Anne Ligouri, formerly of Dunn’s Corners School. Teachers then returned to the school and participated in a number of activities including defining the positive attributes of a professional learning community, setting faculty norms and ground rules, and identifying school-wide expectations in all school settings. The afternoon was spent reviewing policies and procedures for the 2009-10 school year. Reading for Meaning Teacher Workshop On Sept. 1 Mr. Haskins led a five hour workshop “Reading for Meaning” held for all teachers grades 3-4. Teachers identified their passion for reading and teaching reading, participated in text-based discussion of How People Learn by National Research Council, began to “Unwrap” grade level expectations in reading, and explored the text Strategies That Work: Explicit Comprehension Instruction in a Reader’s Workshop. Fundations Teacher Training On Sept. 1 all teachers, service providers and paraprofessionals who work in grades K-2 participated in training for Wilson Fundations, a K-3 phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling program for the general education classroom. Fundations is based upon the Wilson Reading System® principles and serves as a prevention program to help reduce reading and spelling failure. Meet the Principal Night Dunn’s Corners School held “Meet the Principal Night” on Sept 1 at 5:30-6:00 where the principal introduced himself, gave some information about his family and work experience, shared his hopes and dreams for the school, spoke of the great work that has been done in the school up to this point, and introduced some of the faculty and staff who were present. School Opening We had a fairly smooth school opening this year. Students in grades 1-4 began school on Sept 2.Kindergarten students went through orientation the first week of school and started on Sept 8. We are still dealing with some bussing issues. The transportation department is working on those issues now. Presidential Address Though not in every classroom, students across grade levels watched the Presidential Address on or after Sept 8. Especially in grades 3-4, students considered President Obama’s call for students to work hard and try their best in school. Staff Meeting We held our first monthly faculty meeting on Sept 17. The focus of the meeting was to communicate school-wide procedures and protocols and review technology and library/media supports Open House Dunn’s Corners School hosted a very successful Open House last night (Sept 22). Classroom visits were held from 6:00 PM to 7:0 0PM. Families were given two opportunities to attend the Principal’s Address (5:30-6:00 PM and 7:00-7:30 PM). Mr. Haskins greeted and welcomed families, discussed the changes at Dunn’s Corners School, gave an overview of goals and priorities, provided an overview of positive behaviors and the office referral system, and spoke about positive parent and teacher relationships. Upcoming Events: DCS will administer New England Common Assessment Program to all students in grades 3-4: Reading: Oct. 1, 6 and 7 Mathematics: Oct. 13, 14, 15 School pictures will be taken Friday, Sept 25. Hearing screenings begin the week of Oct 13. PTO meeting Oct 14. Grade 1 field trip Oct 15. WHS Band will be performing for students in our gym on Oct 27.