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Jeffco superintendent looks toward new year

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Contributed by: Cynthia Stevenson on 8/10/2006

A new school year is here and I am again excited about the opportunity to offer the children of Jefferson County one of the most important things they will receive in their life . . a quality education.

As students return to school, many will find their classrooms improved. All over Jefferson County schools are being modernized, and two new schools will open their doors this year, thanks to voter passage of a $323.8 million bond in November 2004.

This month Jeffco teachers and principals will open their doors and hearts to approximately 85,000 students. Our Jeffco schools educate 11% of the school children in Colorado. The class of 2019 will arrive in kindergarten and the class of 2007 will arrive in our senior high schools. Each day after the first day of school will be a precious opportunity for teaching and learning. This year the vision of graduating every student will require commitment from Jeffco staff members, Jeffco students, Jeffco parents, and Jeffco community members. While our scores on the Colorado Student Assessment Program are very good scores and exceed the state at every grade level in every content area, we want more for our children.

I will ask our Jeffco staff members to continue to accomplish more with fewer resources than many of our surrounding school districts. I will ask them to set high expectations for all children. I will ask them to teach basic skills and thinking skills. I will ask them to inspire curiosity and passion for learning. I will ask our staff not to just ensure that no child is left behind, I will ask them to ensure that all children are provided an education that will serve them well their entire lives. Our community wants each child to graduate with good choices for their future.

I will ask our students to work hard to reach their full potential and to make good decisions about the life they want to lead. I will encourage them to understand that they can chart their own course if they have a great education. I will ask them to have a vision and a plan for their futures that includes graduation from a Jeffco senior high school and post secondary learning.

I will ask parents to be involved in their child's education. I realize its hard for working parents to find the time to volunteer in the schools, but I ask them to find the time to help their children finish school assignments, encourage their children to read, and teach their children to take responsibility for learning. I ask that parents talk to their children about what they want to do with their lives and help them plan how to accomplish their goals. Most of all, I ask parents to love and to praise their child's accomplishments and teach them the joy in learning and growing.

I will ask our community to continue to hold us accountable for high standards and for that vision of 100% of our students graduating with good choices for their future. Be involved, stay informed, and let us know how we can serve the communities of Jefferson County with continued excellence and joy.

It will be a challenging but joyful year for everyone involved in Jeffco Public Schools. Working together for our schools supports our children and our community. Together as staff, students, parents, and community members we will reach our vision for our children.

Cynthia Stevenson is superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools.

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Karen Gilbert

Karen Gilbert has posted 714 stories and 44 comments since joining on 5/10/2006. Karen Gilbert's average story rating is 4.82.

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