Highlights

August 6, 2009/Issue 1

Dear Families and Friends,

 

In addition to receiving an administrative bi-monthly newsletter, What’s Happening at Journey School, you will also sometimes receive brief updates like this one—called Highlights.  The intent is to improve school-family-community communication and to facilitate widespread involvement.

 

Teacher Hiring Update

 

§         §         (3rd) Ms. Robin Davis will teach 3rd grade in 2009-10. Ms. Davis brings an abundance of successful teaching experience. She looks forward to guiding her students through this important developmental year in partnership with all of you.

 

§         §         (5th) Mr. Gavin Keller will teach 5th grade in 2009-10.  Mr. Keller has a unique capacity and proven track record for meeting the needs of 5th graders.  He is excited to meet his students and families in the coming days. 

 

§         §          (7th) Incoming and returning families attended 2 separate meetings on Tuesday, August 4th.  I was impressed by their commitment to the school, insight, and sincerity.  Through dialogue and the insight of Mr. Richard Martin, 8th grade teacher, we reviewed the needs of 7th grade students and how the curriculum unfolds accordingly.  We also identified key teacher criteria. An administrative hiring update was provided.  The Teacher Search Committee has been expanded and is working hard to hire the right teacher! Interviews will take place starting Friday, August 7th and run through Friday, August 14th.  Follow-up teaching demonstrations may occur so we might need to recruit students.  At least 6 candidates will be interviewed out of dozens of applicants. 

 

§         §         (K) Our search for 1 more Kindergarten teacher looks promising.  Numerous candidates will be interviewed next week.  We are pleased with the high number of qualified teacher candidates. 

 

§         §         (Assistants) Interviews will also occur next week for 1st grade and kinder assistant position.

 

§         §         (Specialty Programs)  We are working hard to preserve the integrity of our specialty programs during this difficult time.  Specialty programs will be announced in detail after 8/20/09. 

 

§         §         Biographical information about all staff will be published in the coming weeks. 

 

§         §         Ms. Oriana Gourley, former Journey School teacher, wrote you a special letter (see attached).

Stewardship Day & Parent/Family Involvement

 

§         §         Be on the lookout for information re:  Class Meetings, Orientation, Handbooks, and 1st-Day

§         §         Please join Parent Cabinet for their next meeting on Friday, August 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Administration building.  2009-2010 fundraising plans will be discussed and finalized.  

 

 

Onwards and Upwards!

 

 

Shaheer Faltas

Journey School Administrator