Echoes from Cañon
Examples of Excellence
Early this week I had the opportunity to participate in a learning walk led by principal Tim Renn at Cañon City Middle School. Learning walks allow teachers opportunities to learn from their colleagues. On the walk Mr. Renn asked participating teachers to watch for instructional transitions and student engagement. We then wandered into Anthony Grabau’s science classroom and were treated to excellent examples of transitions and engagement. I want to thank Mr. Renn for taking instructional leadership to this level, and Mr. Grabau for setting such a fine example for his colleagues.
This week I would also like to highlight the excellent work of Colleen Carroll, our superintendent-board secretary. Colleen’s skills go far beyond keeping me organized and on task and supporting the operation of our school board. She is viewed in the administration building as an expert in the use of our Infinite Campus student management system, a district historian, a mentor, and a person capable of filling any immediate work need in the district. Thank you Colleen, for your continued hard work and dedication to the Cañon City School District. You are a true example of excellence.
The Focus of Our Work
We are happy to announce our 2015-16 E-rate funding request for approximately $100,000 in additional network switches, wiring, and hotspots has recently been approved. E-rate is a government program aimed at increasing internet availability and connectivity to public schools and libraries. CCSD receives a significant discount on upgrades to its network through this program, paid for by cell phone bill fees, and formal approval means planned work can now be scheduled.
The CCSD Evaluation Council met on Wednesday evening and is proceeding with plans to personalize a tool that will allow our teachers to create personalized models by which student achievement results can be applied to annual performance evaluations. We plan to work on setting cut points on this tool on October 27th, will allow the Evaluation Council to approve those cut points, then we’ll prepare council members to train all teachers how to use it.
The CCSD Evaluation Council met on Wednesday evening and is proceeding with plans to personalize a tool that will allow our teachers to create personalized models by which student achievement results can be applied to annual performance evaluations. We plan to work on setting cut points on this tool on October 27th, will allow the Evaluation Council to approve those cut points, then we’ll prepare council members to train all teachers how to use it.
Last Week
Last week I conducted office hours at CCMS, Harrison, CES, and Washington. On Tuesday I traveled to Denver to chair the quarterly Colorado Safe Schools Resource Center advisory board meeting. On Wednesday morning we had our monthly administration team meeting, and in the evening we had our Evaluation Council meeting. On Thursday evening I attended a Cañon City Facilities Corporation meeting. On Friday some of our PE teachers received training in how to teach archery to students. Meanwhile, I was back in Denver to present at the National Association of Latino Elected Officials conference on how to improve educational outcomes for minority and low income students.
This Week
Monday and Tuesday is Fall Break. I’ll be in and out of the office on these days, and I’ll attend a meeting with Boys and Girls Club Director Steve Hinson over lunch on Monday. On Tuesday I plan to attend the Cañon High School Marching Band public halftime show performance prior to their regional competition. On Wednesday I’ll be in Thornton attending the Colorado Safe Schools Summit. On Thursday and Friday I’ll be in Orlando, Florida with several CCSD leaders attending the American School Health Association national conference.
George Welsh
George Welsh