Superintendent’s Update
April 4, 2003
March
It has been a very successful and exciting spring at Kiowa County School District Re-1. Winning two state championships in basketball was a great way to start the spring. The coaching staff and players should be commended on their accomplishments and the way they represented our school at the state tournament.
Eads Elementary was just notified that they were awarded the Title I "Distinguished School Award." This is a very prestigious award that only two schools in the state of Colorado receive each year. One is given for the most improvement and the other one is based on the best performance. To be considered for this award a school must have at least 40 percent of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and have the best weighted indices scores on CSAP’s. Eads Elementary received the award for the best performance. Not only does the school receive national attention, the District will receive a $10,000 check for being selected. This is a perfect example of why we need everyone to apply for free or reduced lunches, and the importance of performing on the CSAP’s.
The glass-hallway project began over spring break and is progressing very nicely. This project was fully funded by a grant. Within the scope of this project, the windows and doors will be replaced in the high school. The hallway will have approximately half of the glass it currently does and the rest will be brick. This was a necessary project as the existing windows and doors were in poor condition and not energy efficient.
A decision on the color of brick was recently decided after getting input from community members, accountability members, students, staff, and school board. The decision was to go with a darker brick that would more closely match the windows and doorframes. It was decided that it would be better to contrast the color rather than attempt to match it, which would be nearly impossible. The project should be completed by the first of May.
We are currently working with the Recreation District on the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant that entails replacing the lighting system at the baseball/football field, renovating the tennis courts, and redoing the track. Ordering the poles and getting the grounds surveyed are the first tasks of this project. This project also includes creating a soccer and beach volleyball facilities.
The staff has been working diligently on completing grade-level expectations. The first draft is complete and the final project will be completed by the beginning of next school year. This curriculum will allow parents and students to be aware of what is expected at each grade level. It will also allow teachers to track individual student’s strengths and weaknesses.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Kiowa County Re-1 School Board members for their commitment to improving our school system. They receive very little credit and often hear only the complaints and concerns. They have all been instrumental in improving not only the finances of the district, but the facilities as well. These decisions have often come with a cost such as conflict with family and friends. I would encourage everyone to thank each of the members for their time and dedication when the opportunity arises.