The real "March Madness" has nothing to do with basketball. At a middle school spring is in the air and it is when we try to do the following before Spring Break:
Parent Teacher Conferences
Registration for the Next Year
Staffing for the Next Year
Budgeting for the Next Year
Another Round of Concerts
And of Course: CSAP!
Altona Middle School is going to have some fairly significant changes next year. As detailed in the Registration Coversheet and the Business Fact Sheet (both on the school's website) we continue to have problems maintaining our current level of operations versus our current level of funding. There are going to be changes in how we do business as a district in general and a school in particular given the current level of funding. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not arguing for a level of funding that would rival Connecticut or Washington D.C, or even our neighbors to the south, the Boulder Valley School District. However unless funding levels change we are forced to do more with less. Next year's schedule and its impacts are a result of our current situation.
I would love to read your comments and answer your questions. As always, thanks for your comments and reading my Blog!
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7 comments:
just wanted to comment and say that i really enjoyed "the nation of wimps" article and i look forward to reading the rest of the book. so sad but true...
I am truly saddened by how little Colorado spends on education! I also admire those of you in the public school systems who are struggling to do more with less and less. Please let us know how we, as parents, can help.
I just wanted to comment on the new schedule... I think it looks great! It looks like what we had in school, although I know a shorter lunch period will be a bit of a struggle for some kids... hey, maybe the dawdlers' parents will thank you for getting them to eat faster! haha
I didn't even know you had a blog; good for you! Even if not everyone sees it, it's a great forum.
Thanks for the comments. When the book - A Nation of Wimps - is released I'll let all of you know as I'm thinking of attempting a community book talk!
The funding question before all of us at the state and local level is where do we think education falls on the continuum of public support (more taxes)?
Thanks
Joe. Great blog. I look forward to keeping up with your thinking - though not necessarily your schedule.
I'm feeling confident that the community will get behind additional taxes to support our students. It will take a good deal of hard work but I think people will see the clear need.
Follow up question.
What are some of the specific things in your building that you're not able to do due to limited resources?
How is this impacting the learning experience of Altona's students?
Thanks.
John - Some of the specific things impacting St Vrain students in general and Altona students specifically deserve a historical commentary. Middle schools used to offer a far greater choice in the enrichment program. I used to have a full time computer teacher, a full time language teacher, another P.E. teacher, and I've cut a Drama program and an Advanced Science program. But, the most important impact is a simple truth. When teachers have more classes and more kids (and an increased total student load) the opportunities to form relationships with kids are reduced. But, we live in a competitive society and my job is to use the resources I have in the most effective manner. Please check out the business fact sheet in the weekly update section on our website. With all of that said, money is one part of the eqaution and it is still our mission to deliver the best program in Northern Colorado!
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