ANNUAL REPORT MESSAGE
Jeanné Collins
February 8, 2011
 

The goal of Burlington Schools is to prepare all students to succeed in higher education, careers and citizenship by providing challenging core academic instruction, enriched arts, math, sciences and wellness experiences, and opportunities to develop 21st century skills. Students, parents, teachers, and community members worked together to develop our vision. We are proud of the dedication, talent and expertise of our teachers and staff and the incredible potential and curiosity of Burlington's children. We thank all of our parents, partners and community members for your longstanding support.

Over the past school year, we have continued to improve the quality of our schools through:

  • New educational programs for science and for elementary and middle school math.
  • A new framework for encouraging positive behaviors and addressing issues of bullying and harassment.
  • More options for pre-kindergarten, special education and afterschool.
  • Trainings and support for teachers to use assessments and research-based teaching practices to support every child in developing reading, writing and math building blocks for learning.
  • New programs and supports to deliver instruction to our students from many linguistic backgrounds.
  • Hiring and training faculty to support our Commitment to Diversity and Equity.
  • Expanded communication tools to keep the community informed of District activities through the use of our website, blogging, Front Porch Forum, North Avenue News and Facebook.
  • New technology tools in our classrooms.

    • We have also maintained our commitment to the magnet schools, arts, music, fitness, athletics and health. Although we face economic challenges and increasingly complex student needs, we have worked together to improve how we provide opportunities for all our children.

    Community Partnerships
    Expanding partnerships is a critical element of our vision. Our community partners play a key role in all of our schools. Working with our local colleges - St. Michael's College, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont, and the University of Vermont - along with the Flynn Theater, Burlington City Arts, Very Merry Theater, Shelburne Farms, City Market, the Intervale, Echo Center and Friends of Burlington Gardens, among many other partners, ensures new opportunities for our students that will prepare them for the 21st century. Our afterschool partnerships with Burlington Parks and Recreation, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Sara Holbrook Community Center helped to provide enrichment and support.

    As always, you can contact me with questions or suggestions at 802-864-8474 or superintendent@bsdvt.org.