STANDING WITH SANTA FE

Editor’s Note: Please Note this is an excerpt from the full letter sent to Santa Fe parents. As we continue to both support and learn from the tragic occurrence in Santa Fe, we feel it important to share this message of commitment, courage and hope. For the full letter, please visit our website at www.thepostnewspaper.net
August 2018
As we approach the beginning of the new school year, we are faced with a new level of healing and recovery. We realize returning to classes in many ways will be difficult for everyone, and as a SFISD community, we will stand strong and united as we welcome our students to this 2018- 19 school year. We look forward to the return of our students to our schools, as we hope we can all continue to find ways to work together to make our schools safer and to strengthen and restore the positive school learning environments at each of our schools.
As nearly 5,000 students and 650 teachers and staff enter the schools in Santa Fe Independent School District on August 20, 2018, we plan to work towards a positive school year! Starting the first day of school, we are working to equip our students with the tools and skills they need for future success. When reflecting on our previous year’s progress, we would like to share a few district goals centered on improved teaching and learning systems and opportunities for students.
During the 2017-2018 school year, the District determined literacy to be an instructional focus for continuous improvement for our students. We utilized the expertise of our Educational Support Center Region 4 to examine the District’s systems of literacy. Through this journey, Santa Fe ISD reexamined and aligned our literacy programs and began to build improved systems of support for learning in the 2018-2019 academic school year.
Teams of educators were part of the District process in researching best practices and selecting appropriate resources to implement during this school year. Evidence will be found throughout the district classrooms in alignment with the District vision of supporting literacy in all subjects. In English Language Arts classrooms, students will learn within the framework of Balanced Literacy to help them grow as a reader, writer, speaker, and listener. The workshop model will allow for students to be at the center of their literacy adventure with an exposure to areas of high interest for individual learners.
Math, science, and history will focus upon creating literate learners within their content as well. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Resource subject experts will support our An Equal Opportunity Employer An Instructional Coaching Support Model will be enhanced and expanded this school year, and teachers will have access to and support from subject specific instructional coaches to assist teachers in reaching their instructional goals resulting in higher student achievement. Currently, our instructional coaches are participating in a rigorous five-day Coaching Academy to deepen their skills to become more effective learning partners in the classroom.
If you would like to know more about our learning systems, “Join the Journey!” We know we cannot experience complete success without your help at home. Santa Fe ISD Learning has launched a Twitter @SFISDlearning and Facebook @SFISDlearning. Information will be continuously updated on how to assist our learning journey at home by providing you with resources and a voice in your child’s education.
We encourage our families and community members to remain engaged and be a part of the great things that are happening at Santa Fe ISD! Registration and Meet the Teacher Nights are held prior to school opening, and you are also encouraged to attend our many events and activities for our students and families that are held throughout the year. We look forward to opening our school and classroom doors on August 20, 2018 and leading all our students to success in the 2018-19 school year.
United together, we are Santa Fe Strong!
Sincerely, Leigh Wall, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Santa Fe Independent School District
You will also find a Safety Matters overview of the District safe and secure school priorities that will be in place for the 2018-19 school year as well as policy changes, training updates, communications improvements, and mental health and wellness support services on our website as well as our Facebook page.