Spring brings a renewed burst of energy and time for growth in our Dobbs Ferry Schools!
Education remains at the center of “hot topics” in the news on the local, state and national levels, with an unrelenting discourse on assessments. However, we need to remain singularly focused on student learning and meeting the academic and emotional needs of our community’s children. Spring also shepherds in days of standardized testing, and it is important to remind ourselves that these limited measurements provide a narrow picture of what our students actually know and are able to demonstrate.
Looking ahead, we have a lot to consider as we review the recommendations from the District’s technology assessment, which was completed earlier this year. Based on the results of the survey administered to students and staff, the District will begin implementing some exciting changes almost immediately, including a summer professional development pilot for teachers. Teachers participating in the pilot will be working in a cohort model to begin developing lessons in anticipation of all students in their classes having regular “on the spot” access to the latest technology.
Additionally over the summer, the District will begin replacing classroom desktop computers with laptops for teachers. The current desktop computers will remain in our classrooms for student use. Laptops will enable teachers to create lessons, post information to the Parent Portal and respond to inquiries both on-site and at home. For student use, we will be adding laptop carts in all three schools to increase regular technology access as we further develop plans for a fully integrated student 1:1 computing model. As part of our three-year technology roadmap, our ultimate goal is to implement a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program for students, which will be augmented with devices owned by the District.
I am particularly looking forward to a new round of “coffee chats” which are scheduled to begin April 18th and run through the end of May. The Dobbs Ferry PTSA is once again organizing the chats. These informal gatherings, held in parent homes, are an important way to share your thoughts, feedback and suggestions with me directly as we begin to develop our next Strategic Plan. To reserve your space, please email PTSA President Lisa Ferrara at president.dfptsa@gmail.com. Each group will have a maximum of 12 people and you can choose from a convenient evening or morning time. Space is limited so please sign up as soon as possible.
It also pleases me to report that our Board of Education Committees are meeting regularly to provide a great deal of input in the areas of curriculum, technology, facilities, finance and communications. We have already fast-tracked important changes such as a new grade weighting system and the addition of higher level International Baccalaureate (IB) courses for next year. Subcommittees are currently exploring website redesign, new and improved television programming and the use of social media to help the District expand communications.
I know that everyone in our school family joins me in saying “thank you” to our Dobbs Ferry Schools Foundation, PTSA, athletic booster organizations and other parent groups who support our students and teachers. In these challenging economic times, we immensely appreciate their financial aid and the enrichment opportunities they provide for students.
I hope that you are excited about these new initiatives. We are moving forward on many of the fronts that I have mentioned in order to enhance our students’ academic experiences and skills. The young people in our community are looking to us to make constructive changes that will pave the way toward their future success and ultimately make our School District even better.
Dr. Lisa Brady
Superintendent