Telluride High School
Principal’s Report
December 11, 2008
I. Student Count: 169 students
II. HS Accountability:
This year’s HS Accountability committee is very interesting and compelling. Our discussions have touched upon the topics of 21st Century Learning, School Rules and Policies, Grading and Reporting, the ISP program, and most recently, the male/female achievement gap, that is both a national and local issue we need to face. This group’s contributions to my administration have been invaluable.
III. Semester Exams
We are in the final weeks of the semester and our teachers and students are gearing up for their final semester exams. These very important assessments will be instrumental in helping our teachers gauge whether or not our students have reached mastery in the content of each classroom. We will have an abridged day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of next week. Wednesday is a Tutorial period for students who want to review with their teachers. Thursday and Friday will be the first SkiPe days. Students who have MNA (Mastery Not Achieved) in any of their classes may be assigned to a "credit recovery" program during the first two weeks after Winter Break. They will get support from some of the best teachers at THS to try to get the mastery they need to earn credit in these classes.
IV. ISP Program
The second ISP period is fast approaching. We are excited that in this second offering, the students had a much greater say in the development and expectations of the intensive. Our students were able to choose from among 3 “general” ISPs, which included: 1) Performing Arts; 2) Vocational/Engineering; and, 3) Winter Studies/Snow & Ice Science. Also, underclassmen were given the opportunity to challenge themselves and earn “Honors” credit in the Honors ISP. Finally, our students who have 2 or more AP classes are being offered 3 “mini” ISPs – in Strategic Games, Snowshoeing/”To Build A Fire”; and Self-Defense.
We are also pursuing grants from TEF and the Telluride Foundation to continue to be able to offer this amazing hands-on experiential education to our students. Keep you fingers crossed.
V. Winter Sports Season
The Miners Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams have begun their seasons, with our men taking part in a big early season tournament in Meeker Dec. 11-13. Our Competition Cheerleading squad had an amazing performance at states, but was eliminated from the finals for a technicality. This was certainly hugely disappointing to our girls, but they showed great class and dignity in their disappointment. The are the Regional Champs, and we couldn’t be more proud of these hardworking girls! Our competition skiers (racing, freestyle, and Nordic) are training for their individual sports. Finally, our Telluride Hockey clubs are on the ice now and are competing almost every weekend. I am so excited to see these kids start to play and compete for their clubs and teams. Go MINERS!
VI. Another Celebration for THS
Telluride High School has once again made US News and World Report's list of the top high schools in the United States. In the report released December 9, 2008, US News & World Report recognized only 29 high schools in Colorado (there are around 360 in the state). They determined that these special schools are doing the best job preparing students for college and life. Telluride was again among this elite group. Schools that are deemed to be among the top 100 schools in the nation are awarded the "Gold Medal", of which there were two in Colorado. Telluride High School was among eight schools in Colorado awarded a "Silver Medal" ranking. Our neighbor, Ridgeway Secondary, was awarded a "Bronze Medal." THS and Ridgeway were the only two schools on the West Slope to receive recognition. Congratulation to the entire THS Community!!!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Another Thing to Celebrate at THS!
Telluride High School has once again made US News and World Report's list of the top high schools in the United States (http://www.usnews.com/listings/high-schools/colorado/telluride_high_school). In the report released today, US News & World Report recognized only 29 high schools in Colorado (there are around 360 in the state). They determined that these schools are doing the best job preparing students for college and life. Telluride was again among this elite group. Schools who are deemed to be among the top 100 schools in the nation are awarded the "Gold Medal." Telluride High School was among eight schools in Colorado awarded a "Silver Medal" ranking. Our neighbor, Ridgeway Secondary, was awarded a "Bronze Medal." We were the only two school on the West Slope to receive recognition. Congratulation to the entire THS Community!!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Winter ISPs
Dear THS Community,
Today we met for the first time with students to discuss the Winter ISP offerings. This ISP period will be different than the last for several reasons. First, the students who take 2 or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes will have a "hybrid" ISP experience - 1/2 the day will be spent in intensive AP instruction and the other 1/2 will be spent in one of 3 "mini-ISP" offerings. Second, academically aggressive 9th and 10th grade students will be challenging the "Honors ISP", which is a chance to attempt to earn "honors" credit for their academic core classes by undertaking an in-depth study of a topic relating to those subjects and defending their work in front of their teachers and other experts. The rest of the school will opt to engage in intensive study of one of three general ISP options, including: (1) a Performing arts ISP that will culminate in a public production celebrating the arts; (2) a Winter Studies ISP that will engage our students with a hands on study of our winter environments and winter sporting culture; and (3) a Vocational/Technological Education ISP. where our students will study hands-on mechanical work and will compete to design the best machine to beat the challenges facing it. Our students seem more excited than ever to engage in this hands-on, active learning, 21st century education. Keep posted for more details on this exciting and innovative program.
Today we met for the first time with students to discuss the Winter ISP offerings. This ISP period will be different than the last for several reasons. First, the students who take 2 or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes will have a "hybrid" ISP experience - 1/2 the day will be spent in intensive AP instruction and the other 1/2 will be spent in one of 3 "mini-ISP" offerings. Second, academically aggressive 9th and 10th grade students will be challenging the "Honors ISP", which is a chance to attempt to earn "honors" credit for their academic core classes by undertaking an in-depth study of a topic relating to those subjects and defending their work in front of their teachers and other experts. The rest of the school will opt to engage in intensive study of one of three general ISP options, including: (1) a Performing arts ISP that will culminate in a public production celebrating the arts; (2) a Winter Studies ISP that will engage our students with a hands on study of our winter environments and winter sporting culture; and (3) a Vocational/Technological Education ISP. where our students will study hands-on mechanical work and will compete to design the best machine to beat the challenges facing it. Our students seem more excited than ever to engage in this hands-on, active learning, 21st century education. Keep posted for more details on this exciting and innovative program.
If you have any questions, or want to contact me to find out how you can get involved or contribute to our ISP Program, don't hesitate to call me at 369-1211 or write me at acarter@telluride.k12.co.us.
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Thursday, October 23, 2008
October 23rd Newsletter
October 23. 2008
Dear THS Community;
It astounds me that we have already almost completed our second month of school! It seems that just yesterday our students were returning from summer vacations eager to see their friends and teachers and begin this new year of learning. Now we have completed the first grading period, finished our first ever ISP, and have jumped into the next all important stretch of learning for the 2008-2009 school year.
Why are the next weeks all important? Research has shown that the most profitable and productive period of learning are the ten weeks preceding winter break. Experts are not sure why this is true, but most suggest that: 1) teachers and students have had enough time to establish the class norms and expectations - both students and teachers alike know how the class is going to go – therefore there is little to distract from the learning; 2) students continue to benefit from the energy they saved up over their summer break, so they remain acutely focused on learning; and, 3) attendance rates during this period are historically the best of the year. For these reasons, I expect the next 2 months of learning to be high quality, intense, and productive at THS. Please send your student to school each day ready to maximize their learning during this crucial educational period.
I’d like to take a minute to reflect upon the innovative program we have just inaugurated at THS – the Intensive Study Period (ISP) program. The ISPs were overall an overwhelming success, with very high approval rates from the students, staff, and community members who were involved in them. In survey data students returned early this week, students reported:
· 68% said that the “learned a lot” in the ISP
· 79% enjoyed the experiences of the ISP
· 74% are excited for their next ISP
· 78% expressed their overall approval of the ISP program
For those of us in the business of education high school aged students, this type of feedback is really exciting. For a first-run program, these are outstanding approval rates. We are currently in the process of forming a new student group, called the THS2.1 committee, which will serve as the student voice in guiding our 21st century programs. This group will be instrumental in the development, planning, and implementation of future ISP offerings.
I am also excited to introduce our first hexter grade reports. This new format is designed to better inform students and parents regarding student academic achievement in class and student’s affective grade, which reflect the student’s progress towards mastering the 6 P’s, the all important interpersonal skills and attributes that we all know are so important not only to success in school, but also in life. Please remember that this hexter grade report is a progress report. No grades are final until the Semester Final Grades, which will go on each student’s official transcript. If you are concerned about your student’s performance, do not hesitate to contact the teacher to create a plan to address your child academic or affective progress.
Once again, I am as happy as ever to be the principal of this great school. Our students, teachers, and community are second to none in the state of Colorado. I look forward to continuing our progress towards being the best educational program we can be for the kids of the Telluride region.
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Telluride High School
Dear THS Community;
It astounds me that we have already almost completed our second month of school! It seems that just yesterday our students were returning from summer vacations eager to see their friends and teachers and begin this new year of learning. Now we have completed the first grading period, finished our first ever ISP, and have jumped into the next all important stretch of learning for the 2008-2009 school year.
Why are the next weeks all important? Research has shown that the most profitable and productive period of learning are the ten weeks preceding winter break. Experts are not sure why this is true, but most suggest that: 1) teachers and students have had enough time to establish the class norms and expectations - both students and teachers alike know how the class is going to go – therefore there is little to distract from the learning; 2) students continue to benefit from the energy they saved up over their summer break, so they remain acutely focused on learning; and, 3) attendance rates during this period are historically the best of the year. For these reasons, I expect the next 2 months of learning to be high quality, intense, and productive at THS. Please send your student to school each day ready to maximize their learning during this crucial educational period.
I’d like to take a minute to reflect upon the innovative program we have just inaugurated at THS – the Intensive Study Period (ISP) program. The ISPs were overall an overwhelming success, with very high approval rates from the students, staff, and community members who were involved in them. In survey data students returned early this week, students reported:
· 68% said that the “learned a lot” in the ISP
· 79% enjoyed the experiences of the ISP
· 74% are excited for their next ISP
· 78% expressed their overall approval of the ISP program
For those of us in the business of education high school aged students, this type of feedback is really exciting. For a first-run program, these are outstanding approval rates. We are currently in the process of forming a new student group, called the THS2.1 committee, which will serve as the student voice in guiding our 21st century programs. This group will be instrumental in the development, planning, and implementation of future ISP offerings.
I am also excited to introduce our first hexter grade reports. This new format is designed to better inform students and parents regarding student academic achievement in class and student’s affective grade, which reflect the student’s progress towards mastering the 6 P’s, the all important interpersonal skills and attributes that we all know are so important not only to success in school, but also in life. Please remember that this hexter grade report is a progress report. No grades are final until the Semester Final Grades, which will go on each student’s official transcript. If you are concerned about your student’s performance, do not hesitate to contact the teacher to create a plan to address your child academic or affective progress.
Once again, I am as happy as ever to be the principal of this great school. Our students, teachers, and community are second to none in the state of Colorado. I look forward to continuing our progress towards being the best educational program we can be for the kids of the Telluride region.
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Telluride High School
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ISP Informational Letter
September 16, 2008
Dear THS Community,
As we near the debut of our new Intensive Study Period program, I find that I am even more excited than I was when these ideas were first being discussed last fall. I can’t wait to see our students immersing themselves into high-interest, rigorous, and varied fields of study. We believe that the ISP offerings will not only increase our students’ knowledge of the subject areas being explored, but will also help our students develop and master the 21st century “survival skills” so important to their future success. The skills covered will include critical thinking and problem solving; oral and written communication; teamwork and leadership; creativity and agility –these are just a few of the areas that will be focused on in your student’s ISP program.
Each student will earn 1/3 of a credit when he/she meets the expectations for an ISP. This means that each year that a student completes all three ISP offerings, he/she will earn one additional “interdisciplinary credit” toward graduation. Therefore, a student at THS will now have the ability to earn seven credits per year, rather than six, as in years past. This additional credit is required (as is reflected in the newly adopted revised graduation requirements policy). In other words, ISPs are not optional! We consider these learning opportunities to be vitally important elements of our instructional program.
Members of the THS faculty have spent a great deal of time putting together the fall ISP offerings and we are confident that our students are going to be blown away by them. To peak your interest, I am enclosing the course descriptions for this October’s ISP offerings. As we continue to offer more and more diverse curricula in the ISP program, we will be welcoming input and participation from the community - especially if you have relevant expertise and experience. We are always seeking assistance – people, supplies, facilities, and money - to help us to continue to grow and nurture this program. If are able to support us in any way, please indicate this by filling out the volunteer/donations form that is enclosed.
In order for your child to participate in the ISP program, we are asking that each THS student submit a one time annual student activity fee of $100. This money will help us cover the costs of transportation, housing, facilities, supplies, expert instruction, equipment rental, and other expenses associated with the experiential components of the ISP program. Along with the activity fee, each student will need to complete and submit an ISP Permission, Medical and Payment Form (enclosed) by September 26th. There are scholarships available, so you may indicate interest in financial aid on this form.
I hope you are as excited as I am for your student to begin this new chapter in his/her educational journey. If you have any questions or concerns about the ISP program, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone (369-1211) or by email (acarter@telluride.k12.co.us).
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Dear THS Community,
As we near the debut of our new Intensive Study Period program, I find that I am even more excited than I was when these ideas were first being discussed last fall. I can’t wait to see our students immersing themselves into high-interest, rigorous, and varied fields of study. We believe that the ISP offerings will not only increase our students’ knowledge of the subject areas being explored, but will also help our students develop and master the 21st century “survival skills” so important to their future success. The skills covered will include critical thinking and problem solving; oral and written communication; teamwork and leadership; creativity and agility –these are just a few of the areas that will be focused on in your student’s ISP program.
Each student will earn 1/3 of a credit when he/she meets the expectations for an ISP. This means that each year that a student completes all three ISP offerings, he/she will earn one additional “interdisciplinary credit” toward graduation. Therefore, a student at THS will now have the ability to earn seven credits per year, rather than six, as in years past. This additional credit is required (as is reflected in the newly adopted revised graduation requirements policy). In other words, ISPs are not optional! We consider these learning opportunities to be vitally important elements of our instructional program.
Members of the THS faculty have spent a great deal of time putting together the fall ISP offerings and we are confident that our students are going to be blown away by them. To peak your interest, I am enclosing the course descriptions for this October’s ISP offerings. As we continue to offer more and more diverse curricula in the ISP program, we will be welcoming input and participation from the community - especially if you have relevant expertise and experience. We are always seeking assistance – people, supplies, facilities, and money - to help us to continue to grow and nurture this program. If are able to support us in any way, please indicate this by filling out the volunteer/donations form that is enclosed.
In order for your child to participate in the ISP program, we are asking that each THS student submit a one time annual student activity fee of $100. This money will help us cover the costs of transportation, housing, facilities, supplies, expert instruction, equipment rental, and other expenses associated with the experiential components of the ISP program. Along with the activity fee, each student will need to complete and submit an ISP Permission, Medical and Payment Form (enclosed) by September 26th. There are scholarships available, so you may indicate interest in financial aid on this form.
I hope you are as excited as I am for your student to begin this new chapter in his/her educational journey. If you have any questions or concerns about the ISP program, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone (369-1211) or by email (acarter@telluride.k12.co.us).
Best regards,
Alex Carter, Principal
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Questions on the TSD Bond Question???
Visit the TSDBondQuestion08 blog at http://tsdbondquestion08.blogspot.com/
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