Welcome to Swigert International School
WELCOME 2013-2014
Swigert International School 2013-2014, how is that for an opening? Welcome back to returning families andwelcome to our new folks. I am so proud of the staff that we have assembled to serve you and your children. Our third year will be one where the majority of new students will be siblings. The district is stabilizing our enrollment to support the two new elementary schools being constructed. The result has been that we have people on waiting lists.
I want to share a few bits of information to help get the year started. First, who is the Principal? I will continue as Principal until they find a person that has the skills and approach to meet the needs of the school. If and when that person is found, my role will shift to a mentorship to help them be successful. I am really pleased to expand the position Liz Tencate has had in the building. She served half time as our International Baccalaureate Coordinator. She has agreed to return to administration as the Assistant Principal in an expanded role while maintaining the coordinator role. Liz has 3 years’ experience as a Principal along with 3 years as an Assistant Principal. She will be highly involved in teacher staff development, training, and effectiveness related to learning. We will also be hiring an additional half time assistant principal as our school is now over 600 students.
We have 6 new classroom teachers, all having been trained in IB, and many with IB experience. Art and PE will also have new faces greeting the students. All have experience and the two first year teachers student taught in the grade levels they will teach here at Swigert last year. We always hire the best teacher we can find and sometimes that teacher is a male. Two of the new staff happen to be male.
This year we will be renewing our Innovation Plan. The plan needs to be renewed every three years and this year is our third year. There was some recent press related to innovation plans with a judge interpreting that we didn’t have a need. The judge interpreted need as low performance or other indicators that would predict that the school would not be successful without the innovation plan. We will address the judge’s concerns in our renewal of the plan.
Swigert finally has some results from state assessments. The results are not public until later in August but I have seen the results of all schools and we have done very well. In fact, some might say incredible or outstanding. The third grade students placed themselves in the top 10% in all areas. The reading test results of Kindergarten, First, and Second grade instruction also demonstrated excellent performance as compared to other schools. Participation levels of parents signing up for the Parent portal, Survey returns, and almost any indicator are consistently high. The level of commitment by parents, staff, and students is what is making this an outstanding school for a young child to learn as they grow.
If you moved or changed your plans please let us know so we can address our waiting list of other Stapleton families. If you are out of town during registration, send an email or call so we know you are coming and stop in when you get back. We are committed to working with you in supporting your child’s success.
Chuck and Liz
Be a part the SIS Walk of Pride!
A walkway of pavers has been installed in front of the main entrance to the school building and each year the blank pavers will be replaced with engraved personalized pavers. Students will appreciate seeing their names, or those of family and friends, as they arrive each day at school! The funds raised by this project will go toward providing many valuable resources to SIS students. Order now for installation of your paver before the school year this fall! Click this link to fill out your form with instructions for payment, or to ask a question:http://swigertpta.com/sis-pavers/
Check out the photos of Mayor Michael Hancock’s visit to Swigert!
LETTER REGARDING THE FUTURE OF STAPLETON SCHOOLS - ENGLISH and SPANISH
