Rio’s “Forward Momentum”

More than one half of the 2014-15 school year is complete marking the half way point of my third year serving the Rio School District. Staff, students  and community have accomplished much in the last two plus orbits of the earth around the sun. Among the major elements of forward momentum our school District has accomplished are;

Improvements in student learning in basic literacies and 21st century skills,

Improvements in student, staff, leader, and parent access to technology and individualized learning,

Class sizes reduced from 30 to 1 to 24 to 1 in Kindergarten during the 2014-15 school and plans for grades 1-3 in the proceeding years,

Increase of the kindergarten program to a full day schedule,

Improved focus of curriculum, instruction, and resources on Reading,

Implementation of inquiry and project based learning,

Implementation of a 1 to 1 computing program equipping each Rio student with an internet connected mobile computing device,

Implementation of S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) curriculum District wide,

Implementation of 21st century curriculum focused on communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and caring,

Implementation of the Gifted and Talented education program and Summer Science Academy,

Enhanced networking and partnerships with organizations at local, state, national, and international levels,

Completion of the facilities Master Plan and passage of Measure G general Obligation Bond to fund school renovation and construction.

Among the major challenges still facing the Rio School District are;

Improving student learning outcomes and developing student learners to their full potential,

Assisting many families who face daily challenges and crisis,

Resolution of significant historical litigation,

Resolving contract agreements with labor associations in a productive and reasonable manner.