Reeths Puffer Schools

Steve Edwards

Superintendent

744-4736 x1101 

Dear Reeths-Puffer Community Members:
 

We are well into the second quarter of the school year, and in spite of the financial struggles we are experiencing because of State funding, there are a lot of reasons to be thankful when I think about what Reeths-Puffer teachers, support staff and administrators have accomplished. Often, it is during the most stressful times that we need to pause for a moment and reflect on what good lies around us.
 

This new school year has brought with it many new initiatives for our students, and we are already seeing positive outcomes as a result. Consider the following:
 

Kindergarten Enrichment: With approximately 90% of our Kindergarten students participating, sheer numbers would indicate that this program was a success.  Additionally, we have been able to deliver support services to our most vulnerable Kindergartners while protecting core academic instruction.  The program is running well and within budget.
 

Read 180 and System 44: These reading programs have been expanded using Federal ARRA Stimulus Funds. More students in grades 3-10 are experiencing the joy of reading as a result of increasing participation.
 

NCA/Advanced Ed District Accreditation: Reeths-Puffer Schools is one of only a few districts in the state that are working toward district accreditation.  We are the only district using a process of evaluation referred to as "Internal Peer Review".  In this process, a select group of school improvement experts from Reeths-Puffer act as an auditing agent to determine the level of rigor and relevance for each of our buildings' school improvement.  This year, Reeths-Puffer Schools will complete a district-wide visit from an external auditing group under the supervision of NCA/Advanced Ed.  This group will assess the district as a whole and make recommendations for improvement and identify areas of commendation.
 

Lucy Calkins Writing Program: After documenting the improvement of our younger students in writing as a result of the Lucy Calkins Writing Program, we are expanding the use of this program to the middle school and high school.  Our teachers are being trained in the implementation of this program this fall.  Upon completion, we will have a flow through writing focus from Kindergarten through graduation.
 

Special Education Technology: Funds from the Federal Stimulus Program targeted for special education have allowed us to increase the technology tools available to special education teachers in our district.  Throughout the year, special education teachers will be trained in the use of this technology as it is being built into their classroom.
 

These are just a few examples of the new strategies being used by our teachers, administrators and support staff to improve the performance of Reeths-Puffer Schools.  Each building has identified additional strategies relevant to its student population under its school improvement umbrella.  We are committed to providing the very best we can to our students, so that each can meet the high standards for graduation from Reeths-Puffer Schools.

Sincerely,

Steve Edwards

Interim Superintendent of Schools

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