Saugus

It’s a brand new year with much promise, a more optimistic economic outlook, and more importantly the growth and development of our children. There is much to do and your support and involvement enriches the school experience for everyone.

Safety and Security

We continue to assess and monitor our safety and security programs. Please review the email sent home over the break for further details. Safety and security are important and requires everyone to follow school site safety procedures. If you hear or see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, please report it to the site administrator.

Board Goals

Here’s a brief update of the Board adopted goals:

Student Learning and Achievement: Teachers have and will continue to participate in professional development seminars and activities to increase their knowledge and expertise in Brain-Based Direct Instruction (BBDI) for all students and Systematic English Language Development (SELD) for our English Language Learners. Additionally, information on Common Core Standards is being disseminated to teachers and parents. One fourth grade class also piloted one of the new Common Core Assessments.

Culture and Climate: The district Communication Committee conducted a communication audit and is reviewing the results to create a district communication plan to ensure that we are using the communication channels that will best serve you and our community. A State of the District event is being planned for later in the Spring and all are invited. Information will be forthcoming in your weekly newsletters.

Facilities and Infrastructure: The Facility Master Plan is nearing completion with the district Facility Committee continuing to review and update. Emblem Elementary will be completed this Spring with the Emblem/School Options Committee discussing and reviewing next steps. A district Alternative Revenue Committee continues to discuss alternative revenue sources. A district Technology Committee will be meeting to review and revise a process for review, selection, and sustainability for technology.

Budget and Fiscal Accountability: The approval of Proposition 30 prevented additional devastating cuts to our district’s budget and allowed us to predict a balanced budget for this year and next, however, we are still funded at 2007 levels. The Governor’s 2013-14 budget proposes to increase state educational support with some major shifts in how schools are funded.

Organization and Operations Management: We continue to monitor enrollment trends and monitor absentee rates. School attendance impacts not only academic achievement, but also our funding. We lose 4% funding annually to absenteeism.

Looking Forward – Open Enrollment/Transfers/Kindergarten Round-up

Procedures and timelines for Open Enrollment, transfers and kindergarten round-up will be posted soon. Staffing for the 2013-14 school year is dependent on the accuracy of the numbers of children who will be enrolled at a school site. Your weekly bulletin and the district website will provide more information over the coming weeks.