The Superintendent’s update is an overview of the happenings within the school district over the past two weeks, delivered by Karen Jordan, Public Information Officer to the Hernando County School Board on May 30th.
Karen Jordan, Public Information Officer, shared highlights of events at county schools over the past two weeks. The first event was a visit by the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of School Improvement and Differentiated Accountability.
The group, led by Dr. Lucinda Thompson, recognized the efforts of Westside Elementary teachers to demonstrate best practices which lead to improved learning for students, and to carry them out across the board into all content areas. Dr. Jim Browder, Executive Director of the Southwest Region, and three members of the FDOE Bureau of School Improvement toured Westside.
What they found was measurable consistency in every grade and classroom, with students learning and understanding what was being taught. Westside has been invited to be a partner for regional schools because of their level of implementation and success.
“Rocking into Reading” is the title of the 2017 Superintendent’s Summer Reading Challenge. Elementary and K-8 schools have prepped their front office areas by decorating them in a Rock and Roll theme. The top three schools were given baskets sponsored by local partners.
First place was awarded to Westside Elementary. In second place was Challenger K-8, and third place went to Spring Hill Elementary. Westside’s name will also be added to a trophy which will remain at the school until the next summer reading challenge.
As with last year’s challenge, Kindergarten through 5th grade students can participate by reading books, tracking the number of hours read on the record map, and visiting the school to check in. Students who read can also earn prizes, including a backstage pass to “Dr. Romano’s Rockstar Bash” at Locomo. The school board members were invited to participate as well.
Dr. Romano and other district staff created a fun video encouraging students to read. “It’s all about kids and literacy,” said Dr. Romano.