Welcome Back!

Welcome back to another school year--such great opportunities for students as we embark on a 1:1 initiative to support and enhance learning!  Below is a link to the preservice schedule.  There are a few slight revisions (impacted groups have been contacted), and this will support those who prefer an online version.

Southeast Polk Preservice Schedule 2018-2019 

As we enter into a new school year, I want to share some summer activities.  Much work was done across the district to prepare classrooms, curriculum units, and new initiatives.

Summer School 

Summer school was held at 3 elementary schools, the Jr. High, and High School.  In addition, Extended School Year was offered for elementary and secondary students.  It's great to see learning for students all across the year! 

Curriculum Work
Teams of teachers and curriculum coordinators worked hard this summer to review, reflect, and make revisions to curriculum units.  Updates will be shared during preservice.

Professional Learning
Many teachers take advantage of the summer months to advance their professional learning.  Whether it be classes offered at the district, AEA, college, or online, teachers continue their learning all year long. Southeast Polk teacher teams attended conferences to support technology integration, literacy, a unit design model for social studies, and professional learning communities. 

Over 80 Southeast Polk team members attended the PLC Institute in Minneapolis in June.  We continue to build understanding and enthusiasm around the possibilities of effective collaboration.  We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Rebecca DuFour shortly after the Institute and feel fortunate to have learned from her.

Environmental Science Camp
Each year, elementary and secondary teachers partner with Drake and Metro Waste to experience and design learning opportunities at the Environmental Learning center.  These lessons integrate science, math, writing, technology, and engineering.

Camp Invention
We had another successful offering of Camp Invention with nearly 100 children in attendance.  These exploration opportunities are facilitated by teachers with leadership from secondary students.  It is such a great experience to watch the students and their creations!

Recognition
The SEP Special Education department was recognized for their work in partnering with families and community resources.  They received this honor during the statewide Special Education Symposium in June.

Resources
New curriculum resources arrived this summer, including elementary science, world languages, and thousands of chromebooks! A big thank you to all those who helped unpack, sort, and deliver resources to buildings.

All of the work this summer will lead us to another successful school year...we are looking forward to it!