By Christopher W. deKay
Ignacio School District
I am excited and pleased to share with you upcoming news and events in the school district this year. Please make sure that you get your children registered for school as soon as possible (www.ignacioschools.org). In this way, each school will be able to communicate with you and prepare to best meet the needs of all children. We will begin to implement the changes as outlined by the Strategic Plan and continue to improve academic growth through high expectations. Together, we will engage, empower, and prepare all of our learners for the future!
It promises to be a momentous year as we move into the four-day school week. Please make sure to check the school calendar on the website. Each school will focus on increasing student engagement, as well as classrooms that have clear learning targets and successful learning outcomes. The school is working with local youth groups and businesses to provide activities and loss of learning support on 25 activity Fridays throughout the school year. The new schedule also provides staff with consistent professional development days.
There will be an open house for the elementary, middle and high school from 4:30-7 pm on Thursday, Aug. 18. Please take some time to bring your children into the respective school to meet staff and enjoy a variety of activities. Romero Street which runs in between the elementary and middle school, will be closed to accommodate food trucks and other activities. Parking will be available on the street and in the school parking lots.
School begins Monday, Aug. 22 at 7:50 a.m. for middle and high schools. Elementary will start at 8 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served in each building this year. Please keep in mind that you must fill out a free-and-reduced form if there is need for that support for your family. This year, meals will be charged to students eating in the cafeteria. Students who eat well-balanced meals have more focus and perform better in classes.
We ask for your support to ensure that students are well rested when they get to school. Research strongly suggests that electronics be removed from the bedroom of children between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night depending on the age level. In this way, youth will get a good night’s sleep and be ready for the school day. A docking station for cell phones/video games that is under the supervision of the parent or guardian overnight is recommended.
Attendance is of utmost importance this year. This needs to be a community-wide effort. It is imperative that each child reach the district goal of a 93% attendance rate. Commitment to having both students and staff at school on Monday through Thursday is paramount to the amount of academic growth that is needed for our students. Please schedule appointments and plan family gatherings for the long weekend to the best of your ability. We are working on a letter in collaboration with Bayfield and Silverton to request that medical offices stay open on Fridays for the convenience of our communities. We will be working to schedule school sports and activities to take place on Friday and Saturday. This will ensure that active students and staff will be in class more as well. The Ignacio School District, in coordination with the Southern Ute Education Department, is revamping the attendance policy in an effort to improve attendance and ultimately the academic success of our youth.
There is much to be proud of in our schools and in this community. We look forward to implementing a new calendar, daily schedule, and improved interventions. As we work through the new year with renewed energy and expectation, I implore you to continue to work in a positive way with school staff and leaders. Together, we make this community a great place to live and raise our children.
Please access the Ignacio School District Website at www.ignacioschools.org for more information on the 2022-23 school calendar and the Strategic Plan.