As the summer draws to a close, I am looking forward to
another school year in Palisades that individualizes and inspires learning for
each of our students. This year is very exciting as we embark on another new
and innovative Comprehensive Plan for our district. It also marks the 25th
anniversary of educational excellence at Palisades Middle School.
Our new Comprehensive Plan, coupled with the ongoing
guidance and direction of our School Board Members, continues to steer our work
in helping all students achieve college and career readiness. I am thrilled to see the excitement
surrounding this new plan and am proud to announce the focus areas that have
been identified by the 30-plus member Comprehensive Plan Steering Team, which
is comprised of parents, students, teachers, administrators, support staff,
board members and other leaders from throughout our community.
The focus areas of our new Comprehensive Plan include:
●
Academic
Excellence - We will continue to place strong emphasis rigorous,
individualized instruction that leads to high levels of student achievement.
●
Community
Engagement - We will continue to pursue avenues to further engage and serve
the Palisades Community.
●
Enriching
Environment - We will also continue to support and encourage student wellness
in the areas of nutrition, physical fitness, social and emotional wellness.
●
Technology
Integration - We will continue to support students in developing 21st
century skills through emphasis on equipment/infrastructure as well as
integration of technology into all of our classrooms.
In the work that we do to support and educate students, the
factor with the greatest impact on overall student success is meaningful
relationships. Students must have opportunities both in and outside of the
classroom to make connections that matter - connections that enhance their
growth and development and positively affect their lives. Connections with teachers, support staff,
administrators, parents, other students, community members, coaches and other
organizational leaders that are productive and supportive help to enhance the
student’s ability to learn in a healthy, nurturing environment.
Through partnerships between district staff and our
educational partners, community members, parents and other business leaders,
the Palisades School District has been able to provide experiences for students
of which we are very proud. Some examples include:
●
Medical Career and Business Pathways with partners like
St. Lukes, Bucks County Community College and Inspire Credit Union
●
Cybersonics and First Lego League through our
affiliation with F.I.R.S.T. and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
●
Sports, marching band and other extra-curricular
activities with the help of organizations like the Sports Boosters, Band
Boosters and other parent volunteer groups
●
Odyssey of the Mind, Reading Olympics and Scholars Bowl
competitions
●
Fitness Center and Evening School Classes which are
open to the public
●
Arts, music and theater programs with partners like
Penn State Lehigh Valley, DeSales University and Martin Guitar
●
Gardens and nutrition programs with the help of
parents, other interested community members and businesses such as Home Depot
●
After school activities like roller skating, bowling
and swimming through the support of our Palisades Community Foundation
●
Vocational/technical programs through our partnership
with UBCTS
●
The Strengthening Families Program through the support
of Partners in Action for Community Togetherness (PACT) and Upper Bucks Healthy
Community Healthy Youth
“Making connections that matter” helps our students to become
leaders who are successful contributors wherever their journey takes them in
their lives. I encourage all of our
community members – parents, students, staff, volunteers and others – to
continue to make connections with and on behalf of our students to assist
them in achieving their goals.
Have a fantastic school year!
 |
| Elementary Bottle Cap Art Project |
No comments:
Post a Comment