Echoes from Cañon
Examples of Excellence
I want to offer kudos to Randy Erwin, one of our Cañon City Middle School Falcon Cafe employees. This week Randy went the extra mile to create some wonderful pumpkin art for students and staff members. I am told Randy often puts forth this kind of extra effort. I also understand he is a fantastic cook, a wonderful teammate, and a truly kind person. Thank you for all your hard work on behalf of our kids Randy!
On Thursday morning I sat in on a Cañon City High School staff meeting during which principal Bill Summers presented data related to the implementation of student work sessions this year. Work sessions are designed to support students who are struggling in classes by requiring them to attend a session offered by a highly qualified teacher who can work one-on-one with them on content or behavior concepts they are struggling with. Mr. Summers shared that during the first quarter this year 1,162 work sessions were offered, and even 96 students attended required Saturday sessions. The results so far? A 42% decrease in freshmen who earned a D or an F in a class compared to our average from the past 5 years. When all students in grades 9-12 were factored, data showed a 41% reduction in failing grades earned by students school-wide!
I would also like to offer a shout out to our district literacy team this week for the outstanding work they continue to do in support of the implementation of our new Journeys reading resources, as well as for supporting the conduct of Lindamood-Bell reading intervention processes in each building. This change in the way we are teaching our reading curriculum has been quite challenging to this point. It would be nearly impossible if not for the support of these talented ladies. In fact, while I was at a literacy team PLC meeting on Friday our CDE appointed consultant stated our district is ahead of others she is working with in implementing its early literacy grant initiatives. This is great news!
On Thursday morning I sat in on a Cañon City High School staff meeting during which principal Bill Summers presented data related to the implementation of student work sessions this year. Work sessions are designed to support students who are struggling in classes by requiring them to attend a session offered by a highly qualified teacher who can work one-on-one with them on content or behavior concepts they are struggling with. Mr. Summers shared that during the first quarter this year 1,162 work sessions were offered, and even 96 students attended required Saturday sessions. The results so far? A 42% decrease in freshmen who earned a D or an F in a class compared to our average from the past 5 years. When all students in grades 9-12 were factored, data showed a 41% reduction in failing grades earned by students school-wide!
I would also like to offer a shout out to our district literacy team this week for the outstanding work they continue to do in support of the implementation of our new Journeys reading resources, as well as for supporting the conduct of Lindamood-Bell reading intervention processes in each building. This change in the way we are teaching our reading curriculum has been quite challenging to this point. It would be nearly impossible if not for the support of these talented ladies. In fact, while I was at a literacy team PLC meeting on Friday our CDE appointed consultant stated our district is ahead of others she is working with in implementing its early literacy grant initiatives. This is great news!
The Focus of Our Work
Instructional Leader PLC participants enjoy a little team building.
On Tuesday 24 of our district’s instructional leaders attended a monthly Professional Learning Community session. At this gathering we continued our work on how to establish and support high quality PLC work in each building. We also shared ways to analyze district evaluation calculators and how best to offer feedback to teachers about how to establish fair and rigorous models to use in their annual evaluation.
At last Monday’s board of education meeting a decision was made to pursue a path forward related to facilities that will lead to the application for BEST grants to build a new Washington Elementary and a new Cañon City Middle School, while also attending to the envelope, and health and safety needs of all other district facilities. Administration will now have 4 months to put a competitive grant together in time for the end of February application deadline.
On Thursday morning I attended a Workforce Center board meeting where we discussed how this organization can support Cañon City High School’s effort to offer job shadow, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities as it transforms to a pathways model. Our future concept was well received and we look forward to working with the many representatives of the board as we progress with our efforts.
At last Monday’s board of education meeting a decision was made to pursue a path forward related to facilities that will lead to the application for BEST grants to build a new Washington Elementary and a new Cañon City Middle School, while also attending to the envelope, and health and safety needs of all other district facilities. Administration will now have 4 months to put a competitive grant together in time for the end of February application deadline.
On Thursday morning I attended a Workforce Center board meeting where we discussed how this organization can support Cañon City High School’s effort to offer job shadow, internship, and apprenticeship opportunities as it transforms to a pathways model. Our future concept was well received and we look forward to working with the many representatives of the board as we progress with our efforts.
Last Week
Literacy Team members meet with their CDE assigned consultant.
On Monday morning I met with some southern Colorado superintendents about CDE initiatives and advocacy efforts. In the afternoon I met with Bill summers and some external guests about a potential P-Tech grant for Cañon CityHigh School. In the late afternoon and evening I attended a board work session and regularly scheduled meeting. On Tuesday I had an extended SAC meeting and then an all afternoon Instructional Leader PLC session. On Wednesday I had a meeting related to transportation issues for the Boys and Girls Club, as well as a session where board director Shad Johnson and I shared information about our superintendent evaluation process with folks from the Ellicott School District. On Thursday I attended a Workforce Center board meeting, and then met with our financial staff about several of our grant budgeting processes. On Friday I stopped in on the literacy team PLC session, met with Harrison principal John Pavlicek, and then participated in a series of informational meetings.
This Week
CCMS principal Tim Renn answers a news reporter's questions about the possibility of having a new school built.
On Monday I’ll attend Key Leader training related to a Fremont County Communities that Care initiative. I’ll also work with the literacy team to continue developing a coach’s evaluation process. Tuesday is pretty routine with only SAC and my appearance on Morning Line on the schedule. Wednesday includes a series of monthly touching base meetings with administration staff, operations staff, Lynnette,Steinhoff, and Jamie Davis. I’ll be traveling to Pueblo on Thursday with CCHS staff members to observe a STEM school in action. I reported last week that I would be doing so this past Friday, but my calendar was a bit messed up. On Friday I’ll attend the Pikes Peak superintendent meeting in the morning, and then we’ll be meeting with GE Johnson and CRP to begin preliminary design and costing our of our new building projects.
Thanks for listening once again!
George S. Welsh
Thanks for listening once again!
George S. Welsh