Welcome Back
Prelude Edition of The QUARTERLY
Bellevue Union School District
S E P T E M B E R
Lessons from the Geese
Geese fly in a V formation.
As each bird flaps its wings,
an uplift is created for the
bird following.
By flying in a V formation,
the whole flock adds 71%
more flying range than if
each bird flew alone.
Whenever a goose falls out
of formation, it suddenly
feels the drag and resistance
of trying to fly alone, and
quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of
the “lifting power” of the
flock.
Whenever the lead goose
gets tired, it rotates back
into the formation and
another goose takes over at
the point position.
The geese honk from behind,
to encourage those up front
2 0 1 4
Welcome to the 2014-15 School Year
Dear Bellevue Community,
I’d like to welcome everyone to the 2014-15 school year! We are off to a successful
start, which includes many changes designed to meet the needs of our students and
improve student learning.
With our new Math curriculum, along with improved infrastructure and tools for technology, we are now equipped to implement the Common Core Standards (CCS) and
educate our students for the 21st century. With our recently adopted English Language
Arts curriculum, we are well-positioned for the transitions in education, including the
new state assessment and accountability framework. I am particularly pleased to welcome Dr. Marcia Russell to our district as Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Coordinator, as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to support teaching and
learning in every classroom.
This is our second year with the new state funding model, and our first year of implementing the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This plan represents an intentional path to meet the needs of our students, and to improve student learning. This
LCAP is posted on our website, along with a summary version which is user-friendly.
to keep up their speed.
When a goose gets sick or
wounded, two geese drop
out of formation and follow
the injured one down to
provide protection. They will
stay with him until he is
able to fly or until he dies.
Then they launch out, with
another formation, or to
catch up with their own
flock.
Board of Trustees:
Yvonne L. Kennedy
Carol Montoya
Lisa Reyes
Kathleen Mullins
Sharon Ligon
Superintendent:
Alicia Henderson, Ph.D.
Our LCAP has 10 goals, with specific actions to be taken for each goal. Some of the
highlights for this year include focused support for K-3rd literacy provided by literacy
paraprofessionals, a parent liaison for every school, PE for all K-6th students, a lengthened instructional day for primary students, and 3 additional weeks of instruction for
all students. There will be updates provided throughout the year on progress made on
our LCAP, as well as community involvement as we prepare for next year.
When we work together, we accomplish more. We will be “refreshing” our tools for
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) with teachers this year, so that we harness
the brilliance of collective wisdom and effort. All students belong to all of us, and our
collective action will take us further than if we act alone.
We are in the business of Teaching and Learning. I am
committed to providing support so that we can get the job
done. Its going to be a great year and I look forward to
working together!
Sincerely,