SMALL SCHOOL TRANSITION COMMITTEE REPORT

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Thanks for Your Feedback2

In the spring of 2014 over 40 members of the community completed surveys to share their hopes and concerns about the transition to a new school principal.

The Small School Transition Team was convened to review the survey feedback and make recommendations based on the findings.

Team: 3 teachers, 5 parents, principal

Don’t Change What Isn’t Broken

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Parents want to preserve and build on Small School values and strengths: Quality teachers Accessible administration and staff High academic and behavior standards Strong school community feel

But there is always room for improvement

Theme: Communication

Communication is generally good, but parents want more of it

Communication from the school should be frequent and transparent

Deliver weekly notes from the principal

Deliver monthly (at least) newsletters from the teachers

Make sure school and district websites are updated with current and relevant information

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What we heard What we recommend

Theme: Improve Parental Involvement

Increase PTA membership

Provide opportunities for parent-to-parent mentoring for new-to-school parents

More opportunities for parent volunteers and chaperones

Transition members meet with PTA to share feedback

Develop a peer network for new-to-school parents to aid in the transition

Develop and communicate new ways to use volunteers in all classrooms

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What we heard What we recommend

Theme: Enriching the Curriculum

Parents want more arts and creativity integrated into the curriculum

Teachers will solicit help from the community to support the curriculum

Teachers will develop creativity using district experts

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What we heard What we recommend

Our Greatest Strength is Our Community

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How can you help? Are you an expert in a field or have a

particular skill that could enrich our curriculum?

Join the PTA Stay involved and share your ideas

Contact the transition team members with any ideas or questions: Langdi@spsd.org