A Message From the Principal

Joan Ganz Cooney, who founded the Children’s Television Workshop, once remarked that ‘Cherishing children is the mark of a civilized society.’ The RW community is a civilized society and cherishing children is what we all do best. Thank you for fostering a positive attitude toward education in the home and continuing to support public education.

There have been several staffing updates since the last newsletter and I wanted to share the good news. We successfully added a fifth 4th grade class by utilizing a job share format – meaning two teachers will instruct one class. Pending Board approval, Mrs. Dana Hinds will teach 4th grade in the morning and then serve as an administrate-intern each afternoon. Ms. Ashley Lee, currently teaching 5th grade at Cedar Creek Elementary, will teach this class in the afternoon. The AM/PM job share format allows for consistency. For example, Mrs. Hinds may always teach reading and Ms. Lee would then always teach math. Through good communication and utilizing the same procedures and routines, these teachers will make this classroom a wonderful learning opportunity for students.

I’m pleased to welcome Mrs. Hinds. With her support for administrative duties, I will be able to spend a longer period of time on school initiatives and most importantly I’ll be able to spend more time with our students. As Ms. Hinds and I finalize job responsibilities, I will be sure to share them with you.

Next year will be full of fun and opportunity – literally full -- as we anticipate approximately 670 students in August. As you recall, Elementary #35 will provide relief in the fall of 2014. Boundary changes accompany a new school and we will invite each of you to the Boundary Meetings starting soon after school starts.

It’s truly an exciting time for Ravenwood Elementary as we continue to grow. We have an incredible staff preparing for each of your students’ return in the fall. Teachers are serving on many committees and working tirelessly during their summer break to present the most effective and engaging curriculum. I am excited to be part of this inspiring group of educators.  

Our focus this next school year will be to maintain our commitment to providing the very best educational experience for our students. Success is not a destination, but a journey. I hope we’ll make that journey together, with all the enthusiasm, commitment, and vision that have brought us this far. And whatever the future brings, I hope we’ll be able to go on sharing success for years to come.