December 2010 Update
TO: Michael Green, SuperintendentFROM: Mark Houk RE: YALE SCHOOL MONTHLY UPDATE
Our school has garnered significant attention in being awarded one of 5 statewide Apple Awards this Fall! Our school has also been designated one of Washington State's Schools of Distinction, meaning the Professional Organization Phi Delta Kappa has recognized the tremendous year over year improvement of 4th grade MSP scores of our school. Articles have appeared in print in local newspapers, a formal presentation of the Apple Award was made at Yale on a wonderful sunny Friday afternoon, and preliminary plans for distribution of the $25,000 honorarium has been created and submitted by Yale Students. Our schoolboard and OSPI have approved and we are beginning to connect with local Yale folks who may want to volunteer time/equipment to make the construction piece of this project outstanding!
All the while, instruction and a focus on analyzing our system set-up and student progress is ongoing. We have some interesting learning challenges and the best way to assist students, and help staff be in position of providing most powerful teaching is a true work in progress requiring much flexibility, some frustrating, but always a forward-lean in making it happen for kids!
Stay tuned!
Looking Forward
Wireless laptops have already been ordered as part of the Apple Award - look for these to up and going in early January!