Superintendent's Message
Jeanné Collins
August 9, 2010

Welcome Back-to-School

As we look forward to students starting a new school year, I'd like to update you on the work we're doing to provide every child the education they need. Students, parents, teachers, and community members worked together to develop our vision. Our goal is to prepare all students to succeed in higher education, careers and citizenship by providing challenging core academic instruction, enriched arts, math, sciences and wellness experiences, and opportunities to develop 21st century skills. This year, our students will benefit from our ongoing improvements. Many thanks to you, our partners and community members for your longstanding support.

Over the past two years, we have put into action:

  • new elementary and middle school math programs, new elementary science programs, Spanish language introduction in elementary grades and a phased in approach to a positive behavioral supports system in all K-8 schools.
  • a planning process to re-design learning at our high school to keep pace with the changes in our society and economy
  • more options for pre-kindergarten, special education and after school programs
  • trainings and support for teachers to use assessments and interventions to support every child in developing reading, writing and math building blocks for learning
  • research based systems to deliver instruction to our students from many linguistic backgrounds
  • trainings to support teachers in providing instruction to challenge each child at their level
  • updated systems to support our commitment to diversity and cultural competence
  • two elementary magnet schools that tap into our partnerships to provide new learning opportunities and socio-economic integration expanded community partnerships
  • expanded communication tools to keep the community informed of district activities: web site, Front Porch Forum, North Avenue News
  • new technology tools in our classrooms
  • critical facilities repairs and improvements
  • work to strengthen our partnership with all of our families

    • We have also maintained our commitment to the arts, music, fitness, athletics and health. Although we face economic challenges and increasingly complex student needs, we have worked together to improve how we provide opportunities for our children.

    Our students are showing progress in many ways - including growth on test scores, active involvement in community service, and the number of students graduating from high school and going on to higher education.

    This year, several new school principals are joining our team. We welcome Thomas Fluery at CP Smith, Marcie Lewis at Hunt Middle School, Brian Williams at the Integrated Arts Academy and Nick Molander as the Assistant Principal at BHS. We all look forward to continuing to make great strides together.

    In addition, thanks to the support of the Burlington residents, many of our facilities will be more energy efficient and meet updated safety codes. See our webpage for videos and updates on this exciting work.

    Burlington's class of 2023 enters our doors this fall. Thank you for your continued support on behalf of every one of our children as we prepare them for their future.

    As always, you can contact me with questions or suggestions at 802-864-8474 or superintendent@bsdvt.org.