|
Important Dates: April 25 Sp= ecial School Board Meeting ISTEP+ Testing Begins May 2 Te= acher Appreciation Week May 11 Viki= ng University May 13 Snow= Make-Up Day |
|
From Superintendent Andrew Melin, Ph.D.: Response to Instruction (RtI) helps VCS meet the needs of individual stude=
nts Response to Instruction (RtI) is a federal and state-level initiative all =
school
systems are implementing in which educators adjust their instructional
practice to meet individual student needs.
This process has been in place in our school system and has help=
ed
many students, but we hope to continue to enhance our RtI
program to reach even more students in future years. A critical component of the RtI process is to establish specific criteria use=
d to
identify those students not only who need academic assistance, but also
those students who need to be enriched at higher levels. Currently, RtI=
teams, composed of general education teachers, special education teache=
rs,
administrators, and counselors and/or social workers, have been establi=
shed
in each of our elementary schools and both middle schools. Identified students are referred to=
the
schools RtI team where each students’ acade=
mic
issues are discussed, and a plan is developed to meet each students’
academic needs. Once a plan is
finalized, parents are contacted and the students’ plan is shared. The plan is monitored to assure
satisfactory progress is made, and follow-up meetings are held as
necessary. Beginning next year, we hope to =
use
our late-start Wednesdays to increase our level of professional
collaboration as we discuss student progress on a weekly basis. Student academic issues will contin=
ue to
be a primary focus of our RtI process, but =
we
will also begin to focus on student behavioral issues. We also hope to use the RtI process to identify those students, particula=
rly at
the elementary level, who are identified as high ability students to be=
tter
differentiate our instructional practice in order to meet their needs The RtI
process is being implemented throughout the state and will help VCS
accomplish its mission of maximizing the learning potential of each
student. |
|
VCS News The
multiple choice portion of the ISTEP+ assessment begins this week. It is important for parents to assu=
re
their children are getting plenty of sleep and eating properly this wee=
k. The
week of May 2 is Teacher Appreciation Week.
VCS is fortunate to have such a strong group of talented and
dedicated teachers. VCS Standouts This Satuda=
y
(April 30) the Cooks Corners’ PTA will host its annual Kid's Clothing S=
ale
from 7 - 11 a.m. Interested families can purchase, at low co=
st,
gently-used clothing and books that are appropriate for elementary aged
students. All proceeds will be used to help support academic
endeavors. TJMS Assistant
Principal Jim Polite was approved at last week’s school board meeting to
succeed Paul Knauff as principal at TJMS beginning next school year. We
have been fortunate to have Mr. Knauff’s
leadership and look forward to Mr. Polite’s
tenure. |
|
Valparaiso
Community Schools News
for the Week of April 25, 2011 Expecting 100% effort
from all to assure the achievement of every student. |
|
Our Mission:
Valparaiso Community Schools provides a safe and supportive educational=
environment maximizing the learn=
ing
potential of each student. Our
Vision: Valparaiso Community Schools will =
be at
the forefront of education innovation driving=
from excellence to
preeminence. |