Thursday, April 10, 2008
Dear DVMS Staff and Community:
When I became principal of DVMS in July 2007, I pledged to provide leadership and work toward building an effective team. I believe that the foundation has been set for future success at Deer Valley Middle School due to the many positive initiatives and changes introduced this past school year. Many of these were openly shared and validated at our recent North Central Accreditation Regional meeting, some of which are:
• The implementation of a comprehensive Campus Improvement Plan with a focus on Individualized Learning Plans for each student in the core subjects and the systematic use of school data to inform instruction and student learning
• A strategic Title I School Wide Improvement Plan with a focus on reading, writing, and math to move our school out of Year One School improvement status
• The establishment of student intervention programs during school and beyond the bell in the form of the research-based Language! Program, after school tutoring in reading, math, and homework club, and Saturday School during the months of February and March
• Strategic and engaging activities for students on monthly ½ days in the form of realistic writing prompt activities
• The establishment of a safe and orderly campus through school-wide initiatives and recognition such as Character Counts, Colts Kudos, orderly cafeteria procedures, staggered end of school dismissal, and additional law enforcement presence on campus
• Research-based and data-driven professional development for staff using Marzano's High Yield strategies and student performance results in the form of writing samples, as well as reading and math assessments.
• The increased participation of staff, parents, and students in our PTSA. Administration, staff, and students worked closely with the PTSA co-presidents to raise school spirit and build relationships among stakeholders.
These are only some of the positive activities that I have had the privilege to lead and coordinate at our school. Today, I am asking myself these questions. Is our school a better place because of our efforts? Are our students better prepared both academically and socially because of our shared work? Can we be proud of the relationships that we have built among stakeholders over this past year? I believe that for the most part the resounding answer is yes, and that we have set the course for improvement here at DVMS.
Recent events have required me to reflect on my future with the DVUSD. It is therefore with regret that I tender my resignation at the end of this school year.
I thank all members of the DVMS staff and community for their support and for their on-going efforts to improve our school.
Sincerely, Boris Morew Principal, DVMS
