Cherokee Community,
Summer is almost over and the 2011-2012 school year is just about to begin. The Cherokee APT and Cherokee staff have been working throughout the summer, planning for the upcoming school year, and I know you’ll be pleased. The theme we have chosen for the upcoming year is, “Together we can…” which we will apply to all of the great things we do this year. There are many educational and fun events planned throughout the year by the APT....truly something for everyone. I encourage you all to support the APT, and become involved in any way you would like. “Together We Can” make this a great year at Cherokee!
I would like to share with you one of the highlights of this summer. Over 80% of our teachers attended a specialized training on the “Prompts of Depth and Complexity,” which is an instructional model that will help teachers to modify their instruction for Gifted children, and children who are performing above average. Our teachers are serious about differentiation of instruction, and are dedicated to bringing this model into our classrooms. It was wonderful to see that so many of them attended this training!
With regard to staffing, each year student enrollment dictates the number of teachers we have. At the time this letter was submitted for publication, and comparing staffing to last year, we had to decrease the number of kindergarten sections to three, and decrease the number of second grade sections to three. If current trends continue, however, I am hoping that we can bring back the fourth section of Kindergarten, as well as increase the number of teachers in second and third grades. Our numbers are very close, and only time will tell.
Stay posted for a letter detailing specific grades and times, but please do plan to join us on those evenings, and hear about the upcoming school year from your child's teacher.
In the meantime, check our school website for updates on staffing
adjustments, supply lists and other important information. I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Walt Chantler
Cherokee Principal
