This year we implemented the Differentiated Roles (DF) program. The teachers in this program are called Teacher Leaders. DF allows teachers to work half-time in the classroom and half-time as coaches to other Steele teachers. Teachers receive feedback from Teacher Leaders who are teaching the same or similar content and grade level. Sarah Kirkwood and Robin Donaldson were our 2015/16 Teacher Leaders. Next year, we'll expand the program to three Teacher Leaders.

 

Sarah Kirkwood will continue as Teacher Leader for kindergarten and first grade teachers. Robin Donaldson is moving back into the classroom full-time; she missed the joys of having a class for the entire day. Natalie Pyle will be Teacher Leader for the 4/5 team, and Marissa Sarkesian will be Teacher Leader for second and third grade teachers. I know Natalie and Marissa will do an amazing job in their new roles.

 

This left us with two open half-time positions: one in second grade with Marissa and one in 4/5 with Natalie. We are filling these two positions with one teacher. Although logistically this may challenge us, the hiring committee and CSC decided that having a full-time teacher was beneficial to building community with each classroom and would best meet our students' needs.

 

I'm thrilled to announce that Brad Summerville will partner with Natalie and Marissa. Brad will teach math, science, and social studies. Brad was an intern in Natalie's class last semester, and we're excited to have him join the Steele community. To learn more about Brad, click here.

 

Wow - another successful Home Tour! Despite the weather, we had incredible turnout, raised a good deal of money for Steele and DPS Educational Outreach, and had lots of fun.

 

The coordination and effort it takes to pull off a successful Home Tour is monumental. I want to thank everyone who made this day a great success, with a special thank-you to our co-chairs, Danielle Vitale and Kiki Lyons.

 

I'm excited to announce we have four parents interested in serving on the Collaborative School Committee (CSC) next year. The CSC - comprised of staff, parents, and community members - helps Steele make decisions that have a positive impact on student growth. We have two openings for next year, so we'll have an election.

 

The interested parents are: Nikki Dawson, Jennifer Olson, Stacy Crum, and Toby Nuber. To view their CSC nomination forms, click here.

 

All Steele parents are encouraged to vote. We'll use survey monkey to cast ballots. The link is:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SteeleCSCBallot.

Thanks for all you do!

 

Cheers,

Kevin

"Dig It!" Day will be THIS Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Bring the whole family! NO experience necessary; plenty of ways for adults and kids to help prepare the beds for the planting season. Some tools are provided, but if you have garden tools at home, we encourage you to bring them. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

The Garden Committee is looking for new members to join and help make the garden flourish! A Garden Volunteer Open House After Party will be hosted the evening of May 14 at the home of Shari and Ken Leidner from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Food will be provided; please bring a drink to share. Please, no children. This open house is a great way to learn more about the work of the Garden Committee. RSVP to Shari if you plan to attend.