
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
Planning for the 2014-15 school year is under way, and we look forward to our first day of school on July 29.
Over the next seven weeks of summer break, our focus is setting the stage for another productive school year. This begins in the classroom by hiring the best and brightest teachers, and these educators are provided training that offers them an understanding of what we expect from them.
The district has undergone many changes, and it is time to develop a brand for the school district. A brand is successful when every time it is viewed, you immediately think of that organization. This begins with developing a logo that not only symbolizes but reinforces the reputation of the organization.
Developing the right logo takes time and is hard work. During the spring of 2012 we began to design a new one for the district. The logo needed to be simple, reproducible and unique. On May 12 our school board voted unanimously to adopt a logo.
The design includes a P and an S and the blue and red colors that connect you to our district! Surrounding the shield is laurel, a symbol of excellence, achievement and academics. The logo incorporates a traditional font style called Chaparral.
The new logo will be formally introduced July 1 on publications, signs and communications. We are excited about the new logo, which marks a season of positive change and evolvement in our district.
Teachers will continue to improve their skills over the summer as they attend workshops that focus on digital lesson development. The use of digital resources interwoven throughout the instructional lesson is the ultimate goal. A few examples of digital content that reinforces the lesson content include streaming telecasts, video clips and real-time conversations with individuals from around the world.
In addition, workshops will include short presentations that showcase effective digital lessons and useful resources. Teachers in these sessions will spend time creating digital lessons to use in their classrooms. We are proud to have our own experts on staff to conduct these training sessions.
Teachers may also register for focused time to develop comprehensive libraries of digital content. Time will be available to review and discover the applications of various digital lessons that will be designed around math, science and language arts.
A new parent screen, Skyward, will be introduced in June. It is our student management software system, and it will make it easier for parents to see multiple children in their family all at once.
Repair and renovation projects at Southport High will continue over the summer. Terrazzo flooring, which seems to last forever, will be installed at both high schools. Amidst all of this activity, we will also conduct a comprehensive summer school program for more than 1,000 children.
Thank you for taking time to read my column every week. It seems that wherever I go on the Southside, someone mentions my article. I will begin writing again in about six weeks. Until then, go Cards and Falcons!