2010-2011 Kindergarten Screening

Today and tomorrow is Kindergarten screening in the school district.  During Kindergarten registration in January parents made an appointment to bring their children to the school for screening.  The screening process allows the school to evaluate where the chidlren are academicially as well as socially.  The children and the parents also get a chance to meet the principal, guidance counselor, school nurse and some of the teachers they will have in the upcoming year.  So far this year the school district has over 60 students registered for Kindergarten.  That is about 10 more students than the district had last year at the same time.  My youngest child will have his screening tomorrow morning.

The Power of Volunteering

In researching educational trends, I ran across this talk by Dave Eggers.  Dave started a tutoring center in San Francisco.  It is really a fabulous story.  He says that 35-40 hours of personal one on one time per year for a student will increase their achievement by one grade level.  That is really incredible.  How can we do something similar in our Ridgway community?  Something to think about...

Van Wagner

A friend shared this web site with me a few months ago.  Van Wagner is a singer/songwriter and educator who sings about living and working in rural Pennsylvania.  You can listen to his songs on his web site and they are actually pretty good.  I am in contact with him in an attempt to bring him to Ridgway to do a performance and meet with our students.  I think it would be pretty cool to have him perform here.  I will keep you updated.

Fascinating Web Site

Please check out this web site, The future of education forecast.  As you read through the explanations about where education (and society) are heading in the next ten years, think about the implications for small schools and communities.  I believe that small schools and communities are better suited to adjust to the transformation that is occurring in society right now.  I realize that I am a geek (and that is why I really like this web site), but I hope that you will find it fascinating as well.

Elkers in the News!

Congratulations to our wrestlers who did such an outstanding job at the state wrestling tournament. Their accomplishments are a testiment to their (and their coaches) hard work and dedication...Congratulations!

Joe Chittester – 2nd place
Garet Pisani – 4th place
Corey Bush - 4th place
Zack Zelcs – 8th place

I also want to give a "shout out" to Danielle Carlson who placed first in the District Rotary 4-Way Speech contest on Saturday, winning recognition as well as additional cash prizes. Danielle advances to Regionals in May for a chance to win $1,000 more. Congratulations to Danielle!