Caring for and educating our youth, our students, is something that all of us share as a passion and a priority. I am pleased to let you know that many wonderful things are happening within Elk Rapids Schools.
Our students continue to score above the state and regional averages on MEAP and MME. This indicates that they are mastering the core curriculum fundamentals which are the foundation for educational success. The data is looked at very carefully in order to make adjustments to ensure that all of our students continue to improve in all areas.
As importantly, we must prepare our students with 21st century skills including Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Technology, Health and Wellness and Life Skills within a context of Global Awareness. These are the skills that will prepare our students to be the leaders of tomorrow. To that end, this past year alone we have made significant investments in educational excellence.
· Spanish is now offered from third grade through high school. We will look to continue to support and expand our world language offerings.
· Our Middle School is now an International Baccalaureate (IB) World Candidate School which means it is on the path to becoming a global gold standard school benefiting all of our sixth through eighth graders. The commitment and dedication our teachers have made to the IB training and approach to teaching and learning is a testament to how much they care about our students’ future. We are looking into expanding these efforts to additional grade levels.
· Our High School is now offering more Advanced Placement and on-line courses than ever before. We continue to look at ways to provide opportunities for all of our students to expand their educational experiences.
· Co-Curriculars include over 33 athletic teams, award winning bands, choirs and visual arts programs. In addition, our high school musical production, which includes students from the elementary level up, debate team, Odyssey of the Mind teams and robotics, etc. are all thriving and continue to receive accolades.
These are just some of the areas that we are investing in for our students. There are certainly many other initiatives at each of our buildings that provide the quality of education and opportunities for growth that our students need and deserve.
Our legislators are currently challenged with major budgetary decisions that may drastically change the financial landscape of all public and charter schools in the state. Our administrators and the Board of Education have been working diligently on the budgetary process and in identifying cost savings and revenue enhancements. As details of the budget situation from Lansing are finalized, we will be sure to communicate that information.
As always, my door is open and I greatly appreciate speaking with you should you have any ideas or questions. Should you want to get involved in making a difference, I encourage you to support our annual district fundraiser, the We Are E.R.! Dinner & Auction coming up on May 19, 2012. Our students and their success continue to be my priority and my passion.
