Miss Kitty Would Be Proud!

Some of Cindy Venard's students welcomed us with signs and a CHEER!

The Team has been in Dodge City the past two days visiting colleges and touring the Dodge City School District. I must admit I had some preconceived notions about Dodge City and what the school facilities and district would be and I was SO WRONG! This school district is pretty incredible. Some things that struck me are the teachers and staff who work tirelessly to meet various challenges that some districts in Kansas don't have to face. At one of the elementary schools we visited, there is a 75% ELL (English Language Learner) population and 80% Hispanic population. And yet, this school met AYP and continues to improve test scores. The Dodge City district has put in programs and has support staff that make enrollment smooth, gang prevention education successful, and a system that builds community among the diverse population. The drop-out rate is very low (3%) and is a real tribute to the commitment the administration has made to making the school an inviting place for students and family. It is no wonder the State Board of Education along with Dr. Posny will soon be visiting this district. We all could learn from visiting this innovative and successful community.
Here is a very unique fact about Dodge City...they built a 13.5 million dollar elementary school (Ross Elementary) WITHOUT a bond! The school will be paid off in 5 years! What progressive, creative planning! The technology we saw was being used to enhance learning and assist teachers in being even more effective. The Mimio Interactive Whiteboard device, the laptop docking stations, and the Elmo (document camera) really engaged students in their learning. The Learning Center that houses the enrollment center, a library, and a make-n-take area with die-cuts galore (see picture to right) is almost as impressive as the meeting room that is attached to it. (pictured to the left)
After hearing Superintendent, Alan Cunningham, speak passionately about the "grow your own" program, I am convinced that all schools should be doing this. The support this district gives their staff to continue their education and get ELL endorsements along with the Principal Interns is a testament to the district's commitment to keeping staff.

At Dodge City Middle School. we learned about the Haliburton Project that Principal, Mike King developed. Gifted Instructor, Bill O'Brien, and Erin Schaffer, a team leader, mentor, and science teacher demonstrated how they use this project in their curriculum. The project has students create a digital story they post on teacher tube that follows Richard Haliburton on his journeys. This is really using 21st Century Skills! For coverage of the Team's visit check out the Dodge City Globe.

On a personal note, I coached Erin (Bruce) Schaffer in Concordia. And although she obviously is a respected instructor and has two adorable daughters, she is frozen in my mind as a junior in high school with her beautiful auburn hair running up and down the basketball court. Seeing her totally in her element was probably the best part of my trip to Dodge City...she has definitely "bloomed where she was planted."