Principal's Corner
Principal's Pride Newsletter
2009-2010 Message
“If people who have to work in an enterprise trust one another, it is because they are all operating to a common set of ethical norms…such a society will be better able to innovate…since the high degree of trust will permit a wide variety of social relationships to emerge.”
- Fukuyama 95 Trust
Principal’s Message
2009 – 2010
Spanish Translation
It is with excitement and joy that I welcome you to Glen Haven Elementary School, a professional learning community, committed and dedicated to creating a learning environment that is first class for all who enter our doors!
Our students are already off to a successful start to their school year, as a result of the more than 250 students in grades one through five who attended our second annual Title I Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) summer school. This four weeks summer program afforded our students the on-going opportunity to receive instruction in reading and mathematics. Many of our own Glen Haven teachers taught during this session, and consequently, were able to build positive relationships with incoming students and parents. The interactive learning that was provided, allowed students to experience the academic and behavioral expectations for their roles as Glen Haven Elementary School citizens when they return to school on August 31, 2009.
Glen Haven Elementary School’s Professional Learning Communities Leadership team began collaborating in April to analyze surveys, data, and local and state testing results. During the month of July, this leadership team met to develop actions plans that we believe as a professional learning community must be maintained in helping us keep a sharp focus on teaching and learning:
- Building a collaborative community of school leaders;
- Building a collaborative community of parent and community leaders;
- Strengthening supervisory skills of school leaders to help improve teaching and learning;
- Deepening content knowledge; and
- Providing professional growth opportunities.
It is our belief that “when hearts, minds, souls, and hands meet …nothing is impossible.” While there are competing demands for our time as a leadership group, we must be insistent that we stay focused on instruction and leadership. We know that the power of our collaborative team keeps us focused and creates a synergy that engages our minds and hearts in the work. Together, we are becoming powerful instructional leaders, committed as a team to each other, to the development of our knowledge, and to exceptional teaching and learning by all stakeholders.
The journey of change requires courage on the part of educators and parents. It requires the courage of being champions for children in a way that promotes high levels of success for all students. Our Glen Haven Elementary School stakeholders are committed to transforming our school culture into one that helps more and more students become well-educated and whole. We are prepared to do this as a school community with all stakeholders held accountable for teaching and learning. Glen Haven Elementary School is indeed, “A Place for Learning for All.”
Dr. Joanne Smith
Principal