Superintendent's December Newsletter
A Principal recently shared this quote with me: "if you don't push to the place where you might fail, you've missed a wonderful opportunity to learn to struggle, to think big and challenge the status quo, and learn how to deal with failure." (Horton, 1998) While I don't intend to fail, I know there'll be setbacks and challenges in moving our district forward. I also know that the implementation of our strategic plan will provide us with a road map and focus for years to come. This document will allow us to align our resources as we make educational decisions and conduct the important business of educating our children from this point forward.

The following two articles are updates from some of our ongoing work:

Communications Update Begins

In its strategic planning effort, the Board heard clear requests for improved district-wide communications from community and staff, alike. They listened and identified "Effective, Engaging Communication" as one of the district's top three priorities for success. To begin addressing these needs, a 15-member task group worked over several months to examine data, clarify needs, and draft a plan. Now, the work begins. A committee is currently working with New Prague graduate and artist Greg Preslicka to design an image that represents the district's mission, vision, and values. This image will be used to jump start the effort toward consistency, while we retain our strong Trojan image for sports and activities. Once this initial work is done, the task force will address the next identified need-a web site update, to improve information access. Community input will be vital to the success of these efforts. Stay tuned for opportunities to provide suggestions.


Update from the Collaborative Council

New Prague Area Schools has participated in two meetings of the newly created integration collaborative council. As you know, this past summer, the New Prague Area School District was invited to participate with three of our neighboring school districts in the development of a regional integration plan. As a participant in this project, our district will receive additional funding for the development of programs and services.

At the information meeting held on Tuesday, November 9th in the Montgomery Lonsdale District, the Collaborative Council met for the first time and accomplished a couple of key items. The first accomplishment was to set two goals. The first goal is to close the achievement gap where it exists in all schools, and the second is to provide equal opportunity for all our students.

Another key accomplishment was reaching agreement on expectations for participation on the Collaborative Council. As a Collaborative Council, we agree to consistently attend meetings, promote open and honest communication, and continually focus our plans and decisions on programming that is best for all students.

At our second meeting, held on November 30th, we had the opportunity to hear from Stacy Wells, the Lakeville Integration and Equity Coordinator. Stacy shared ideas about programming and lessons learned from the work of the Burnsville Area Collaborative Council. During this meeting we also discussed, as a council, our understanding of equity and collaboration.

We will continue this important work at our meeting, which will be held mid-January, 2011. By early spring the council will have developed an overall plan and be ready to bring a proposal to the school board for consideration. We look forward to sharing ideas with you from the Collaborative Council to expand our student's cultural understanding and promote academic achievement for all.