The District Dispatch

Dear Families and Community Members,

Welcome to the first edition of our new monthly newsletter. I am excited to launch this new way of keeping you informed and celebrating the fantastic work happening across our schools. Each month, we will highlight recent activities, achievements, and initiatives that support our shared mission of ensuring high levels of learning for all students. This inaugural edition captures some of the incredible moments from the past month, showcasing the dedication of our students, staff, and families. We are building a thriving school community together, and I look forward to sharing our journey with you.

Warm regards,
Matt Ellis
Superintendent

ODE released the 2023-2024 At-A-Glance Accountability Profiles on Thursday, November 21st, 2024. This valuable resource is designed to provide a clear and comprehensive view of our schools. These profiles provide a clear overview of how our schools compare to statewide averages in critical areas such as regular attendance, graduation rates, 3rd-grade reading, etc. We have much to be proud of and areas on which we will continue to focus to achieve our goal of ensuring high levels of learning for ALL students.

Celebrating Our Strengths

• Graduation Success: Our on-time graduation rate of 82% is above the state average, reflecting the hard work of our students, teachers, and families.

• Commitment to ALL students: We serve a diverse student population and have targeted support systems to help ensure every student has opportunities to succeed.

• Dedicated Staff: Over half of our educators have more than three years of teaching experience, and their expertise drives the progress we see in classrooms.

Opportunities for Growth

While we have much to be proud of, there are areas where improvement is essential:

• Academic Achievement: Grade 3 English Language Arts and Grade 8 Mathematics proficiency levels are below state averages.

• Attendance: Only 63% of students regularly attend school, which is below Oregon’s 66% average.

• Opportunity Gaps: Some student groups, including those experiencing poverty or homelessness, face additional challenges that impact their success.

How PLTs Help Us Reach Our Goals

To ensure high levels of learning for every student, we are leveraging Professional Learning Teams (PLTs). These collaborative groups of educators work to:

• Analyze Student Data: By reviewing attendance, academic performance, and other metrics, PLTs identify areas where students need additional support.

• Develop Targeted Strategies: Using research-based practices, teams create tailored approaches to address challenges in literacy, math, and beyond.

• Monitor Progress: PLTs consistently assess the effectiveness of their strategies, making adjustments to ensure all students are achieving at high levels.

This focused, team-based approach empowers our staff to share expertise, learn from one another, and take collective responsibility for student success.

Our Shared Commitment

With the proper focus and collaboration, every student can achieve their full potential. The At-A-Glance Profiles remind us where we stand today and where we want to go. Through the combined efforts of PLTs, district leadership, and our community, we will continue to make strides toward ensuring all students receive a high-quality education.

Last fall, TSD9 embarked on a mission to enhance student achievement by investing in the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process. A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a collaborative educational approach where teachers, staff, and administrators work together to improve student learning. Central to achieving high levels of student success are four critical questions that guide the Professional Learning Teams (PLT) during their weekly meetings:

1. What do we want students to know and be able to do?

2. How will we know if they have learned it?

3. How will we respond when some students do not learn?

4. How will we extend learning for students who are already proficient?

To address the first question, teams have diligently identified which learning standards will be part of TSD9's guaranteed and viable curriculum. This process requires considerable time, reflection, and effort from the teams, but it is essential to have a clear vision of our goals before developing a plan to achieve them. We secured grant funding to support this work and are collaborating with national PLC experts to ensure we create an aligned and rigorous educational experience for all Tillamook students. The first session was with K-12 ELA teams, who finalized their K-12 ELA standards and began the next step of identifying proficiency scales to address question #2.

In every role, our school community is vital in fostering an environment that supports student achievement. From educators to support staff, each of us contributes unique skills and perspectives that collectively empower our students to thrive. Together, we are committed to nurturing their growth and success, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

When we committed to focusing on increasing student achievement by strengthening the PLC process, we recognized the need to return to a late-start model to provide protected time for teachers to meet and address the four critical questions of a PLC. However, we also understood that a one-hour late start could have a negative impact on some students' educational experiences. For some, simply being at school was a safer option during this time. To address this, we collaborated with PLC experts. We reviewed models from other school districts that had successfully implemented a late-start model while still allowing students the option to "opt-in" to being on campus. From this research and collaboration with principals, the SMART START program was born.

What happens at SMART START?

Each school site has approached SMART START time differently. District officials and school leaders support programming tailored to each school’s needs based on the number of students opting in, the available classified support, and input from student voices. This flexible approach ensures that SMART START offers meaningful opportunities for students who are on campus while teachers engage in PLC work to enhance student learning.

Second Trimester Alert: SMART START Kicks Off Wednesday, December 4th, 2024!

In an educational setting, taking the time to recognize and appreciate the hard work of teachers and staff is incredibly important. Honoring their contributions not only shows them that their dedication matters but also that they are making a positive impact on the students they serve. This recognition becomes even more meaningful when it comes directly from students, as with the North Star Awards that were awarded on Friday, November 15th. Recipients being nominated by students highlights the deep and personal impact these educators and staff members have. When students take the time to submit a nomination, it’s a powerful expression of gratitude, showing that the efforts of school staff do not go unnoticed. It also allows students to share stories of how these individuals have made a difference in their lives, helping to build a culture of mutual respect and celebration within the school community.

I look forward to the next round of staff recognition, scheduled for January 17, 2025. For this occasion, we will be seeking nominations from our Community Partners, who engage with our district in various capacities.

The Tillamook Education Foundation, comprised of dedicated community volunteers, remains steadfast in its mission to support staff and students across the district. By enriching classrooms, providing scholarships, and promoting educational initiatives, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact.

The Comedy Night Fundraiser, held on November 23rd, was another shining example of what can be achieved when education-focused individuals unite to make a positive difference in our community.

I sincerely apologize for missing this fantastic event. Unfortunately, I was unwell and felt it was best to stay home—especially during this season when prioritizing health and preventing the spread of illness is so important.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our Comedy Night event. Your generosity and support help us continue building a brighter future for Tillamook students!