Superintendent's Message
Jeanné Collins
February 24, 2012
DID YOU KNOW? (ABOUT OUR SCHOOLS):
87% of the Burlington Technical Center's Medical and Sports Sciences senior class have been accepted into college and university degree programs and plan to continue their education next year in pre-medicine or allied health programs. Three of these seniors have been accepted into UVM's very competitive nursing program (which consistently enrolls ~10% of applicants). In addition to nursing, students have been accepted into programs that will prepare them for careers in medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, radiation therapy and veterinary medicine. These seniors will also, cumulatively, bring 188 dual enrollment credits with them to college. These credits were earned through agreements between BTC's Medical and Sports Sciences Program, Vermont Technical College and the Community College of Vermont
C.P. Smith School recently held two successful and well-attended events: a Winter International Celebration and Math Night. Smith is making great connections with all their families through the PTO and Family-School Partnership Teams. Smith is also in the process of partnering with the Heineberg Senior Citizen Center, wanting to build upon the natural bond which exists between children and senior citizens.
2 Hunt Middle School students were awarded 2nd and 3rd place in the Plan BTV Downtown & Waterfront Art Contest.
Sustainability Academy hosted a literacy breakfast on February 20th, where parents were invited to share breakfast and books with their children. Parents read to children, children read their original stories to parents and older siblings read with younger siblings. Also on that date, the SA Stewardship Team met to discuss ways that SA can measure their success and fulfill their mission as a school dedicated to education for sustainability. This group, comprised of faculty, staff, parents, community members, and school board members, meets bi-monthly as stewards of the school's mission and guiding principles.
Flynn Elementary had OVER 300 families and community members and two dozen teachers and staff in attendance at their recent Family Traditions Dinner. Sponsored by the PTO and Family Partnership Team, this annual event includes a potluck and sharing of traditional items as a means of celebrating the various cultures within the school.
Champlain 4th grade students and teachers recently skyped with Senator Leahy as part of their government unit in social studies.
Edmunds Middle School students recently skyped with a school in Uganda, as part of a unit on Africa that they are studying. And last week, students held an open house for the community on 21st Century learning and shared how they integrate technology and critical thinking into their lessons.
Integrated Arts Academy raised almost $1800 in December through the Fill the Bowl Community Dinner and Silent Auction. Over 200 original handcrafted bowls were made by 3rd graders, IAA faculty, BHS and CVU students for this benefit dinner to raise awareness about hunger and the proceeds will be donated to the Intervale Center and Heifer International.
AND MORE GOOD NEWS:
Burlington and Winooski School Districts as partners have received a three-and-a-half-year, $3.7 million grant to support student-centered approaches to learning.The grant will be used to develop personalized, proficiency-based learning approaches to be developed by educators in partnership with students, parents and community partners. To learn more, check out the website at www.partnershipforchangevt.org.
ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Dr. Shelley Mathias was chosen for recommendation as the principal of Edmunds Elementary School after a national search process this month that included input from faculty, staff and parents. Dr. Mathias has been serving in the role of Interim Principal this year and brings a varied background to this position. Her career has spanned from business to finance to education, where she has served as a teacher, gifted and talented coordinator, and principal prior to coming to Burlington in July 2011. Her experiences have shaped her approach to the work of leading an elementary school in the largest city in Vermont. One reference described her with a "a keen ability to effectively plan and execute complex projects in a range of areas including budget management, school improvement, professional development, and school action planning has prepared her well to address a complex variety of school projects..." The Board will act on this recommendation on March 13th at their regular Board Meeting.
VOTING
City Hall is open for voting early in Burlington! Polling places are open on March 6th. For information on the school budget, please visit our website at bsdweb.bsdvt.org and click on the budget link on the left side of the page. The Annual Report is also available on the website or by contacting us at 802.865.5332 or superintendent@bsdvt.org.
Questions or concerns? Contact me at superintendent@bsdvt.org or 802.864.8474
