Jeanné Collins
Superintendent of Schools, Burlington
October 2008

Superintendent's Message

Excellence and Equity

The district has been quietly and steadily moving forward on the Master Plan and Vision for excellence and equity. The City Council passed a resolution in early October committing the city administration to work collaboratively with the school administration in reviewing the priorities of the master plan and the borrowing capacity of the city. These discussions have begun and we anticipate bringing forward new recommendations on how to begin work on the facilities aspect of the Master Plan jointly in January.

We continue to implement the vision as identified by the Board in July. This year, we have begun offering Spanish as a world language at grades 1-5 at all elementary schools. This has been a wonderful addition to the curriculum, enjoyed by students, teachers and parents alike. This simple addition to the curriculum opens a larger world to our students, as they learn not only the language but the culture behind the language at an early age.

Teachers throughout the district are participating in professional learning communities. At grade levels and at district levels, teachers meet regularly to discuss student outcomes and curriculum. This ongoing initiative has been powerful in increasing expectations for our students in enriching the curriculum that is offered. We are pleased with the forward momentum of the vision of excellence.

Magnet Schools

The magnet schools are in full development as I write. Both Barnes and Wheeler are working with their partners, Shelburne Farms, Flynn Theater, and St. Michael's College, to define the mission and core values for each academy. Professional development for teachers has begun and plans to look at student assignment options for the schools are underway. You can learn more about the Academy for Sustainability at Lawrence Barnes and the Academy for Integrated Arts at H.O. Wheeler at our website, www.bsdvt.org. You can learn more about the Master Plan and Vision at www.bsdplan.com. We will continue to keep the city updated as we move forward on these exciting ventures.

Students in seven elementary classes in the district who are participating in Healthy Kids, Healthy Neighborhoods and will host a Gubernatorial Forum at Contois Auditorium on October 28. This is a wonderful example of the type of learning that will occur within the Academy of Sustainability at Lawrence Barnes Elementary. The students planned the event and will host it, learning about the world beyond their school walls in a real life activity.

NECAP Assessments

Students have just completed the NECAP tests for this fall. We are pleased with the progress our students are making, demonstrated by the scores. It is complicated to explain why some of our students may not make the arbitrary standard set by the state for growth, yet progress more than a year's growth in one school year, particularly students who are not proficient in English. We closely analyze individual NECAP and classroom data to ensure that our students continue to progress academically.

In Memorium

It is with great sadness that I speak of the loss to our community of DG Weaver, beloved assistant principal of Burlington High School. We thank everyone who shared support and appreciation for DG, his family, and the school community throughout DG's courageous battle with cancer. DG's numerous contributions to the district and community will live on through the use of the athletic field, as well as through the many students he helped over his years in Burlington schools.

As always, I invite you to contact me with questions or suggestions for the school district or with any concerns you may have. I can be reached at superintendent@ bsdvt.org or 864-8474 and information about our schools can be found at www.bsdvt.org. Thank you for supporting your schools.