Thursday, October 7, 2010
Homecoming Week
This week is Homecoming for our Albert Lea Tigers as they host Mankato West this Friday night. As an elementary principal, previous high school athletic director, and a parent, I would strongly encourage that your child be a part of the festivities. Students that are involved in school related activities do better in school as they are engaged in meaningful activities that promote positive social growth and good life lessons. Games can be fun for families and offer great teaching opportunities for you to have with your child as a parent. However, young children really should not be left unattended or merely dropped off and picked up at the end of the game. Traffic and congestion certainly requires a parent to help young children find their way. Our parking lot can be a busy place and you wouldn't want to lose your child - stay with them and enjoy the night together.
Sibley Picnic
On September 30th, we held our annual Sibley Family Picnic and what a great turn out it was! We had about 450 in attendance that evening with wonderful food, great weather, and good conversation. I was pleased to be able to visit with folks and run around a bit with my own family on the playground. If I didn't get a chance to visit with you, please don't ever hesitate to give me a call.
Another highlight for the night for about 15 or so individuals was the opportunity to hear Dr. Mike Funk present the three alignment options that the school board has currently asked that your district administration research. Those choices are going to be a kindergarten center, a 6th grade center, or an 8-12 high school. One of these options will be approved sometime this fall. In the meantime, Dr. Funk will be sharing these options and the costs associated with them at several of the schools within the next week. If you missed hearing him on the 30th, you will have another chance on October 14th as he is conducting the same informational presentation in the high school auditorium at 630pm. A cost comparison for all three will be shared as well as time for people to tour the high school. If you have any questions about the options or ideas about them, you can certainly give me a call as well.
Another highlight for the night for about 15 or so individuals was the opportunity to hear Dr. Mike Funk present the three alignment options that the school board has currently asked that your district administration research. Those choices are going to be a kindergarten center, a 6th grade center, or an 8-12 high school. One of these options will be approved sometime this fall. In the meantime, Dr. Funk will be sharing these options and the costs associated with them at several of the schools within the next week. If you missed hearing him on the 30th, you will have another chance on October 14th as he is conducting the same informational presentation in the high school auditorium at 630pm. A cost comparison for all three will be shared as well as time for people to tour the high school. If you have any questions about the options or ideas about them, you can certainly give me a call as well.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Welcome to a New School Year!
Welcome to what has been a great start to the 2010-2011 school year. It is amazing to think that we are fast approaching the end of September and a lot has happened since last spring. The largest change for our building was the addition of a 3rd section of 5th grade due to a larger number of students projected to start the year than only weeks before. Some of the stimulus dollars that our district received were used to fund this additional section. Regardless of those available dollars, it would have been done, as it was the right thing for kids.
When you visit this year, you'll notice that every available room and space is being used for teaching, or as office space for additional programs to benefit our students. This year, our art program is utilizing the cafeteria as a classroom for the majority of the day, with the exception of one block of time when the cafeteria is used for lunch. At those times, our art teacher will come to the classroom. It is also why certain elements of our potential district realignment study could benefit our space issues in the years to come.
Due to our involvement in an integration collaborative with Austin schools, we are thrilled to have a success coach in every building this year. Our success coach will provide additional support to students and families in our building to ensure that students are successful academically; it is our responsibility. Our coach speaks Spanish and English. Having a bi-lingual coach will further enhance our desire and commitment to communicate effectively with all members of our school and community.
We are also thrilled to have two individuals at Sibley through Minnesota Reading Corps. One of those members provides direct researched based strategies in reading to students in grades K-3 that would not otherwise qualify for any other district services. The other staff member is a volunteer coordinator. Their sole responsibility is to build a volunteer base from within our community to promote and support reading development and success to all of our students. This is an outreach program that also educates volunteers as to the real importance of assisting in the academic progress of their communities young children. You will hear more about both of these positions as the year progresses.
Have a great year and do subscribe to this blog by adding it to your chosen "reader" or bookmark it as one of your website "favorites." I plan on adding often to keep you abreast of all things that impact our family here at Sibley.
When you visit this year, you'll notice that every available room and space is being used for teaching, or as office space for additional programs to benefit our students. This year, our art program is utilizing the cafeteria as a classroom for the majority of the day, with the exception of one block of time when the cafeteria is used for lunch. At those times, our art teacher will come to the classroom. It is also why certain elements of our potential district realignment study could benefit our space issues in the years to come.
Due to our involvement in an integration collaborative with Austin schools, we are thrilled to have a success coach in every building this year. Our success coach will provide additional support to students and families in our building to ensure that students are successful academically; it is our responsibility. Our coach speaks Spanish and English. Having a bi-lingual coach will further enhance our desire and commitment to communicate effectively with all members of our school and community.
We are also thrilled to have two individuals at Sibley through Minnesota Reading Corps. One of those members provides direct researched based strategies in reading to students in grades K-3 that would not otherwise qualify for any other district services. The other staff member is a volunteer coordinator. Their sole responsibility is to build a volunteer base from within our community to promote and support reading development and success to all of our students. This is an outreach program that also educates volunteers as to the real importance of assisting in the academic progress of their communities young children. You will hear more about both of these positions as the year progresses.
Have a great year and do subscribe to this blog by adding it to your chosen "reader" or bookmark it as one of your website "favorites." I plan on adding often to keep you abreast of all things that impact our family here at Sibley.
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