Welcome:
Maryellen Riley
Assistant Superintendent, Bavaria District Schools

"It is my pleasure to welcome you to school year 2004-2005.

As the Assistant Superintendent for the Bavaria District, I extend best wishes to you for a successful start and my sincere appreciation for the time and effort you have spent in getting ready for the new school year.

Our teachers are the people who truly make a difference for our children every day. We focus on exemplary educational practices that make a difference in the academic achievement of all learners.  

The Bavaria District, under the guidance of DoDEA, will continue our focus on Math Matters. You will see posters of our theme in your schools. Math will also be a focus of staff development and quality indicators are addressed for mathematics programs.  

Recently the school administrators and district personnel gathered at the Wuerzburg American High School Information Center for three days.  

 Dr. McIntire reviewed the many academic successes that schools experienced during the past school year. Specific examples were presented from assessment data and a clear direction was set to ensure that all students meet the established benchmarks and expectations.  

Bavaria District administrators reviewed their role in the supervision of DoDEA's implementations.  

Mrs. Ohman, Director DoDDS Europe, thanked everybody for their hard work and dedication and commented upon the challenges that some students will face this year concerning their parents' deployment.   

Specific attention was given to the implementation of the PA&E “full maintenance” contract and the new housemeisters in the schools.  

“Math Matters” continues to be the theme for school year 04/05. Dr. McIntire and Ezell Long gave specific attention to the setting of clear standards as well as modeled activities to use in the classroom.  

The message is clear - the alignment of standards, instruction, and assessment equals student success.  

Mike Sumerton, a high school teacher, was interviewed using an established guide that can help measure the success of specific programs.  

Equal attention was given to the management functions of administrators. Procedures for the “nuts and bolts” were reviewed and questions were recorded and the answers were published for all participants.

The new Information Technology structure was reviewed and procedures were explained for securing assistance in this area.  

The education division personnel provided an overview of available training and services that are available to all schools. Specific topics included Cooperative Learning, Read 180, NCA, Special Education, and numerous other staff development opportunities. All of the information focuses on GOAL ONE of the community strategic plan - highest student achievement.  

Evaluation reports from the conference participants indicates overall satisfaction with the conference.  

The beginning of a school year is always exciting because of the opportunities it presents for students, teachers, and administrators. It is an opportunity for all educators to make a lasting difference in the lives of the young people we serve."