From the Superintendent
8/20/2012
Dear Employees, Parents, and Friends of Hot Springs Public Schools
Welcome back to the 2012-2013 school year. I know that we are all ready to continue our very important work of teaching and learning. Indeed, this a very exciting time for Hot Springs Public Schools as we look forward to implementing progressive programs and initiatives that are designed to further improve student achievement.
Common Core State Standards: The Common Core State Standards are the foundation of the entire district’s curriculum. During the summer months, teachers Pre-k-12 continued receiving effective teacher training in new instructional practices while honing their existing skills to improve student engagement and learning. The implementation of the Common Core Curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grades, and the seamless integration of the Common Core Curriculum with the Middle Years Units of Study in fifth through the tenth grades, will offer students the opportunities to be engaged in more rigorous complex reading, research and problem solving tasks, and inquiry-based learning.
Technical Upgrades: We are continuing our wireless infrastructure that will soon facilitate instant connectivity to the district’s network and the internet from virtually anywhere within our schools and offices. The purchase of Promethean boards for nearly all classroom teachers allows them to create interactive lessons that encourage students to be a part of the learning process. The updating of the elementary schools computer labs with over 200 new Dell Computers will enhance the teaching and learning process where teachers become the facilitators of the learning. With the purchase of 550 IPADS, the students at the Intermediate School will be transitioning to digital textbooks. We continue the installation of audio and video Technology in each classroom adding additional safety features for the students and teachers and also allowing teachers to perform self evaluation of the teaching and learning process.
Three4Me Initiative – Another exciting program that the district is launching is the Three4Me program. This is a district-wide initiative driven by Hot Springs School District’s parents. For more information about the Three4Me initiative, please call 624-3372.
As we look forward to the new school year, it is important that we maintain our focus on the “whole child” as we address the results of the AR Benchmark Assessment and the new ESEA Flexibility Waiver and its impact on the school/district status. While we continue to show significant improvements in student growth on the assessment, our work must continue to prepare every child, every day for college bound. It is a privilege that we take very seriously.
We look forward to welcoming each returning and new student. Thanks in advance for your continued support throughout the 2012-2013 school year.
Respectfully,
Joyce Littleton Craft
Superintendent
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