SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE – MAY 2014
I’d like to share with you some of the great work going on here in the District. On Friday, May 9th, the Timberlane Regional High School was named 2014 NH High School of the Year, also known the Edies School of Excellence Award. My parents always told me you’d be judged by the company you keep; last year Bedford was the recipient of the high school of the year award. That is good company to keep. For us, this is a great accomplishment and a much appreciated recognition for the work taking place. I attribute this award to the great work of our staff members, our student and our parents. This is just one of the many successes we expect to accomplish.
While on the topic of the high school, the School Board, after rigorous review and research, has voted to discontinue the district-run driver’s education program. We will no longer run his program in house; however, we are looking into options to contract these services through an outside vendor. We understand that traditionally families have relied on this service so we will work to continue providing it; but not at the expense of the taxpayer. This program has been running in the red since its inception. We believe that contracting this service to an outside vendor will still provide a much needed service to our students and families; but, again, not at the expense of the taxpayer.
In the area of instruction, I have directed an instructional audit of the entire school district. This audit and collection of data will help me to improve the level of direct instruction students receive from their teachers as well as improve the amount of time students are in classes. You can expect the results of this audit will be incorporated into my district goals for the 2014-15 school year. Teach 180… I am listening.
With the statewide accountability system, the state’s No Child Left Behind waiver clearly indicates that all schools will participate in a single accountability system known as Smarter Balanced. The state is currently rethinking accountability and assessment in New Hampshire. Timberlane will pay close attention to the options regarding a statewide accountability system. In any event, Timberlane will be ready to accept the challenges and opportunities in which to demonstrate student achievement and growth no matter what the state accountability system is. In short, I have all the confidence in the leadership and instructional staff at every school in our district in regards to preparation, implementation and execution. Please pay close attention to our district, our programs, and our school action plans. Those documents will clearly communicate our goals, action steps and evidence to support the mission and vision of this district.
We are now in the last stretch of the school year and I want to clarify that, as of today, and provided we don’t have to cancel school for any reason, the last day of school for both students and staff is Friday, June 20th. This will be an early release day with high school students being dismissed at 10:55 AM unless students have final exams to make up; middle school students will be dismissed at 11:00 AM; and elementary students will be dismissed at 12 noon.
Please feel free to contact my office at 382-6119 ext 2217 with questions or concerns and thank you again for your continued support.
Dr. Earl Metzler, Superintendent of Schools