As we near the end of another calendar year, I cannot help but reflect on all that we have accomplished thus far. At the same time, we look forward to the New Year with renewed hope and a strong sense of determination.  There is nothing that our school cannot do or accomplish in our endeavor to increase student achievement. This year we have been dealt with the challenge of implementing a new reading program, along with administering a whole new set of assessments, which we have done without a glitch. All the while, we have taken strong measures to ensure that all students are getting the assistance they need to be successful in their individual academic achievement; which we have done by establishing an intervention program based on student need and teacher input. Look everywhere and you will see our students thriving. Whether you look at our Dual Language Program, or our Structured English Immersion Program, it is evident that our teachers and staff are dedicated to the well-being and achievement of every student at Grand View. One of the best things that could have happened this past year, is our instituting of Professional Learning Communities, where our teachers and staff work closely together (as a team based on their grade levels or by committee) to identify student needs and develop a plan of action to meet these needs head-on. Of course, along with all this hard work, come successes; and we make sure that our students are getting the recognition they deserve for their efforts through our Academic Awards program.

For this coming calendar year, our focus will remain on student learning. Our school goal will continue to be that we align instructional practices to student outcomes. We want our students demonstrating high levels of practice in Reading, Writing, Math, and the other content areas. We will continue to base our decisions on student generated data as well as teacher collaboration and input. Our goal for the end of the academic school year is to demonstrate academic growth over time, along with noticeable improvement on the other Performance Meters as developed by our Superintendent, Dr. John E. Deasy. The Performance Meters Dr. Deasy has put into place include: 1) 100 % Graduation; 2) Student Achievement; 3) 100 % Attendance; 4) Parent Involvement and Participation; and 5) a Safe School.

Along with continuing to be a part of our volunteer force, our parents are actively involved in our school councils, which include the English Learner Advisory Council, our Compensatory Education Advisory Council, and School Site Council. Parental involvement and input remains a hallmark here at Grand View. But along with this, I exhort our parents to become involved where it matters the most, which is in your child’s learning. Over the holiday break, I ask all our parents to read with their child (or have your child read to you); to plan educational trips (whether it is to a museum, library, bookstore, etc.); and to assist with whatever projects have been assigned by his or her classroom teacher. Above else, do not forget to have meaningful conversations with your child; oral language is an important precursor to developing good reading and comprehension skills. Remember that you are your child’s first teacher!

On behalf of our staff here at Grand View we wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season. Please join us in 2012, as we welcome another phase in Grand View’s incredible journey toward academic excellence!

Yours,

Alfredo Ortiz, Principal

There is a lot that you can tell about a school by taking in the programs and events that take place throughout the day. Grand View Blvd. Elementary School is a busy and engaging place this time of ...more