October 23

Let me start by thanking everyone for all of his or her support over the last few weeks. First it was the Cougar Fun Run, next it was McTeacher Night, and finally Principal Appreciation Week. With everything that you have been doing, it is easy to recognize that Swift Creek is loved by all of you!

As most of you know, I love quotes. I heard a phenomenal quote the other day that is so appropriate for this school year. It is by Jim Collins, who wrote the book Good to Great. “You are always good … relative to what you can become.” Now, I happen to believe we have a great school. But I also recognize that our school is relative to what we can become. That is why it is important for us to focus on the findings of the WCPSS Curriculum Management Audit and work hard through the School Improvement Process to ensure that we are continually improving for our students and for our own professional development.

We have recently begun the task of creating a School Improvement Plan. This plan will require the intensive study of data and current practices in place at Swift Creek. It will then allow us to analyze what we have been doing and make sure we are utilizing the best practices to meet the needs of ALL of our students.

You may wonder why I am telling you this. Well it is important that your voice is heard in this process. The PTA recently elected Ms. Jeannie Chang, a parent of a kindergarten and second grade student, as the parent representative for the School Improvement Team. She will be your representative and your voice. Therefore, I offer you two challenges: 1) Go to the WCPSS website and review the Curriculum Management Audit and 2) Contact Ms. Chang or me if you have suggestions for school improvement. We meet on the fourth Monday of every month and will definitely be able to use your feedback. You are also more than welcome to attend these meetings also.

If you have any questions, please let me know. Together, the parents and staff of Swift Creek can ensure that we are always becoming “greater”.

Keep on “ROAR”ing

Jim