Superintendent's Message 2011-2012

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A great deal of planning is in the works for the 2011-12 school year for both students and staff members.  Efforts are being made to enhance a number of instructional areas with the ultimate goal of leading our students to a fast track of success, especially in the areas of reading, literacy, and mathematics.

In order to provide a content rich curriculum, we are working to departmentalize all of the district’s sixth grades for the 2012-13 school year.  This school year, there will be a departmentalization pilot program at William B. Cruise Memorial School 11.  Teachers who are content specialists in one specified area will be teaching the students. 
 Proven studies have shown that departmentalization of subject matter benefits students because of the narrowed focus.  Teachers are able to plan more engaging and higher quality lessons, thus resulting in better student performance.  Many schools have shown that standardized test scores also show improvement after changing to a departmentalized model.

Additionally, there is a  multi-million dollar investment being made to our school stadium, which will provide a state-of-the-art facility for our athletes to become extremely competitive. 

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are quite excited about the educational programs scheduled for 2011-12.  The staff is working very hard to make this year a successful one, as well as a year of accountability for all.  As always, we will continue to commit ourselves to a goal of excellence for our students.
 
 Dr. Robert H. Holster, Superintendent of Schools