Silver Creek Families,
We have had a tremendous fall at Silver Creek! With a successful 1:1 rollout, many academic, athletic and artistic successes, and accolades that continue to pour in; it reminds me of a saying a colleague used to share with me. “Yes, but it’s high school and the day is not over yet.” My response, “Yes, and look at how much more we can accomplish!”
Over the course of the last three months we have been building significant capacity in our teaching staff with continued emphasis on instructional technology during our professional development. Our staff is exploring and implementing Schoology, Nearpod, Explain Everything and other noteworthy apps. More so, our conversation is changing to embrace the continuum of the SAMR Model. As we continue to generate authentic learning experiences and expand the audience of our student productions and publications, we are reaching for the levels of Modification and Redefinition on the SAMR scale. SCLA and our Entrepreneurship classes are truly offering Redefined learning experiences which were not previously conceivable without the direct use of technology and 1:1 opportunities. With Science classes connecting their iPads to Bluetooth probes and measurement devices, we’ve opened a world of real-time data that was previously based on observation and less accurate measuring devices. There are many more examples of learning experiences undergoing this shift and we have a long row to hoe to stay at the forefront of deploying instructional technologies to powerful effect.
Having recently visited Chicago and two schools that are in year three of their 1:1 rollout with iPads, I am happy to report that we are light years ahead. As they consider implementing a leadership strand to Redefine the learning experience, we are in our fourth year of graduating students from a leadership program. As they mull the opportunities for professional development, we have developed a series of lessons for both teachers and our iNinjas to go deeper into the exploration of apps and their applicability to lessons and the overall learning goals.
On another note, our kids have been awarded many accolades over the course of this semester. Eighty-eight of our students were recognized for being Advanced Placement Scholars, having earned at least a “3” or higher on three AP exams. Two students were named to Western States Honors Orchestra. Three students have signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate sports. And we’ve had numerous teams qualify for state competition in athletics with our Gold team taking second in state.
In our parent organizations, the RABC successfully hosted season 2 of Dancing with the Silver Creek Stars. Our Silver Creek Education Foundation has granted over $12,000 to our classrooms, providing ACT support, document cameras, atlases, computers, music chairs and stands. SCOPA has supported our arts through numerous funding ventures, paying for scholarships, accompanists, coaches and competitions. Without you, our parents, we would not be so successful!
We invite you to some excellent upcoming activities such as:
Waiting in the Wings (Fall Play)11/12-11/15 – tickets available at the door
SCLA Capstone Expo 11/18 at 7:00 p.m.
School Start Time Discussion 11/19 (please contact Mr. Finnestead if you are interested in attending)
Silver Creek Open House for Prospective Students 12/7 6:00 p.m.
Madrigal Feast 12/4-12/6
As for further noteworthy distinctions, the Boulder Weekly named us “Best of Longmont: Schools”. It is true, with an official count of 1236 students, new crossing guards, new class offerings and the march towards graduation: Chicago may be the city that never sleeps, but life at Silver Creek High School never rests! Help us to continue getting better each day. Check in on your child’s Schoology page to see what he/she is learning; come to an event at Silver Creek; volunteer with a parent organization – because all this greatness starts with you.
Best Regards,
Erick Finnestead
Principal, Silver Creek High School