A Message from the Superintendent
Welcome
I am truly honored to serve as Superintendent of Hot Springs County School District #1, where our overarching goal is to become recognized as the top performing district in the state of Wyoming. I truly do not believe that I could be in a better place.
Our district motto in HSCSD #1 is: Student Learning is OUR Fundamental Purpose. We realize that the reason our world-class facilities were built was to house the best instruction and ensure learning for every student-everyday. From the time our students participate in our outstanding early-childhood program to the time they walk across the graduation stage it is our job to prepare them for what is ahead in their lives, including post-secondary education and their lifetime careers.
To ensure that the work of the district is progressing the Board of Education adopted three newly revised goals as part of the strategic planning process for the 2011-12 school year. These three goals directly correlate with the overarching goal of the district.
Goal 1: To Refine the existing system of continuous improvement to ensure that learning and teaching is advancing.
Goal 2: To Improve internal and external communication to ensure that the staff and community have greater understanding of the work of the school district.
Goal 3: To Recruit, develop and retain high quality staff that have the skills necessary to help ALL students become high achieving.
Though we have continuous improvement changes annually, the district has a solid tradition of excellence in many areas. Our graduation rate this past year was recognized as one of the state’s best at 93.18%. The Board of Trustees maintains a goal of 100% in this area. Our DELT program (Digital Educator Leadership Team) provides and implements technology into instruction in all buildings including a one to one iPad initiative at the high school. Our Early-Childhood Pre-School Liaison program has presented in numerous venues and is quickly becoming a model for the state. Our students receive countless local scholarship dollars every spring in addition to Hathaway funds. Many HSCHS graduates leave with multiple college credits at no charge to the student. The district offers certification programs in the areas of Certified Nurses Assistant, Wild Land Fire Fighter Certification, ProStart Food Service, and Athletic Training.
It is humbling as an educator to think that you are part of this very important profession. Without education, no other professions are possible. That being said, we realize that we get only one chance to provide students with the best education possible. I encourage you to see the Common PLC definition on our website to learn more about our operating principles and belief system here at HSCSD #1. If I can answer any questions in the meantime feel free to stop by anytime.
Sincerely,
Dustin Hunt
To contact Mr. Hunt, email him at:
or call 864-6515
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All staff at Hot Springs County School District #1 share a common definition of a Professional Learning Community:
Hot Springs County School District #1: Where student learning is our fundamental purpose.
Hot Springs County School District #1 Professional Learning Community by definition:
Hot Springs County School District #1 in partnership with students and community operates under the principles of a professional learning community. This process by definition involves all staff members working together in teams to reach common goals for which they are mutually accountable. The goals must be strategic, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound (SMART goals). These goals are updated and revised using student achievement data at routinely planned intervals throughout the school year. Following review, the team researches best practices to improve student performance and adjust instruction. The district believes that the key to improved student learning is continuous, job embedded learning for teachers.
3 Big Ideas of a Professional Learning Community (PLC)
1. Focus on Learning
The fundamental purpose of the school is to ensure high levels of learning for all students. This focus on learning translates into four critical questions that drive the daily work of the school. In PLCs, educators demonstrate their commitment to helping all students learn by working collaboratively to address the following critical questions:
1) What do we want students to learn? What should each student know and be able to do as a result of each unit, grade level, and/or course?
2) How will we know if they have learned? Are we monitoring each student’s learning on a timely basis?
3) What will we do if they don’t learn? What systematic process is in place to provide additional time and support for students who are experiencing difficulty?
4) What will we do if they already know it?
2. Build a COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
- No school can help all students achieve at high levels if teachers work in isolation.
- Schools improve when teachers are given the time and support to work together to clarify essential student learning, develop common assessments for learning, analyze evidence of student learning, and use that evidence to learn from one another
3. Focus on Results
- PLCs measure their effectiveness on the basis of results rather than intentions.
- All programs, policies, and practices are continually assessed on the basis of their impact on student learning.
All staff members receive relevant and timely information on their effectiveness in achieving intended results.
