My work as principal at Maplewood Middle School has been truly rewarding. The staff at Maplewood are committed to continuous improvement which points towards our continued success. Each year our test scores have climbed higher on the Minnesota Basic Standards test. Our first gains were nothing short of spectacular, and our more modest gains of the last year are inching us higher in the percentage of students who are passing this required test on the first try.

Our success if based on a number of important factors. The first is a that the community solidly supports student learning. We feel this loudly communicated from our parents as we work together to increase student learning. We also are continually trying to find ways to better meet the needs of our students.

We have formed a team within our school dedicated to school improvement. This team works with other established groups such as team leaders and department chairpersons to continually focus on positive plans and approaches. We have tried some pilot projects last year that will become part of our on-going approach to have each student reach their highest possible level of achievement.

Our community is changing. We are more diverse each year. Our new community members move here for many reasons, but we know that one is because they share our goals and dreams for our students. We are joining other districts in finding ways to celebrate our diversity and educate our students to grow in their acceptance of people and cultures different from their own. We have always known the importance of following this path, but know even more clearly as we reflect on the events of the recent past.

Join with me and the Maplewood staff in making this school a focal point for learning and understanding. Let us guide each student to achieve their best academically. Let us teach peace and tolerance so we build strong and productive citizens. We know when we achieve these goals that our students will be ready to take on productive roles as they move to high school and out into the greater community.