October/November 2007 - Laramie County School District

Informer
Laramie County School District 1 Employee Newsletter
Volume 11 t Issue 2
Cheyenne, Wyoming
October/November 2007
Superintendent hopes
to enhance, inspire
M
ahatma Gandhi,
Martin Luther
King and Abraham
Lincoln are among his personal
heroes. He believes they were
all flawed, but powerful men
in terms of what they tried to
accomplish with their lives.
Adams, a middle child
among seven siblings, was the
first in his family to continue
on to college. Though his
father had only attended
school to the eighth grade,
Adams felt encouraged to
strive for higher education.
Ted Adams, Laramie
County School District 1’s
superintendent, knows about
accomplishment. He has
excelled at many things in
his life, but his dedication
to education remains a top
objective.
Adams credits Dr. Bill
Boman, his guidance counselor,
wrestling coach and math
teacher for recognizing his
potential. Boman encouraged
him to utilize his abilities to
the fullest. It was because of
him, Adams pursued more
elevated goals for himself than
he had previously planned.
Adams wants 100 percent of
LCSD1 students reading and
performing math proficiently,
100 percent of students
reaching their highest
potential. While Adams
envisions district students
mastering problem solving, he
doesn’t want a simple increase
in graduation rates. He wants
to see all students graduate.
Adams has always set out to
achieve high benchmarks in
his own life. LCSD1 will now
benefit from his experience,
expertise and leadership. In
conjunction with the LCSD1
Board, Adams wants to help
the district move from being a
good one to a great one.
“The mark of a great
system,” he said, “is that with
virtually every life we touch,
we will help students find their
genius and talent.”
After attending the
University of Wyoming on a
wrestling scholarship, Adams
Superintendent Ted Adams, who recently spoke at the Triumph High
groundbreaking ceremony, said he chose to return to LCSD1 since he
feels he has strong ties to the community. He hopes during his tenure
to enhance the lives of families in the district.
“Our legacy, our
footprint, will
be that we
transformed lives.”
benefited from their guidance.
These individuals in particular,
he emphasized, helped him
draw out his personal talents
and develop his skills.
began his career in Wyoming
and served as a high school
principal in Green River. The
superintendent of schools in
Green River at the time, Larry
Roweder, served as another
role model for Adams.
Having been challenged
to excellence by his mentors,
Adams challenged his own
children to strive toward
excellence. All have chosen to
pursue individual aspirations
and are finding their own
success. Bonded together
by their diverse experiences,
Adams feels his family has left
their own particular legacy in
society.
Adams said other education
professionals who have set
good examples for him are
Sidney Spiegel and Dan
Stephan. “Consummate
professionals,”Adams praised
them, explaining how he
LCSD1 will now benefit
from Adams’ call to
outstanding performance. He
is not satisfied with anything
less than quality. He firmly
believes all people possess
talents and genius that can
be developed with the proper
training.
“When we take whole
children, no matter how
they come to us, either with
challenges or advantages, I
suggest all of them come to us
with gifts,” Adams said. He
added, “I’m very fortunate to
serve with all of you in LCSD1
in this wonderful place to
work on our district goals. Our
legacy, our footprint, will be
that we transformed lives.”
t October/November 2007
Informer
Fitness challenge gets district employees
walking, teaches healthy lifestyle and habits
B
ain Babes. Sunrise
Sizzlers. Arp Sassy
Strollers. The Nerd
Herd. Firebird Fitness Freaks.
Walking Tootsies.
Maybe you’ve heard of these
groups, maybe not. Perhaps
you belong to one of them. The
burning question remains. Just
exactly what are they?
Rest assured they aren’t
typical softball or volleyball
leagues. This sport is different.
The 347 district employees on
these teams burn tennis shoe
rubber while walking their way
to health.
All together, there are 41
teams comprised of district
employees from schools and
departments that currently
are competing in the Step It
Up Team Challenge 2. All
the participants will receive a
district logo T-shirt.
Winners will be able to
choose from different prizes;
duffel bags, pedometers, fanny
packs, heart healthy cookbooks,
etc.
Lynn Collins, the district
wellness coordinator, said this
is the second year she’s issued
a Step It Up Team Challenge
which will last eight weeks and
ends on Nov. 2. She said people
involved in it last time said they
would enjoy having the same
challenge this year.
“I decided to hold the contest
again because walking is the
easiest activity one can do to
improve their health,” Collins
said. The feedback she received
from last year’s challenge was all
positive. “People said they felt
better physically and increased
the amount of time they spent
walking.”
Collins would like people to
feel better each day by walking
more and having fun with co-
Staff receive a special
education opportunity
The walking group, “Lose a Dress Size by Christmas,” goes for a
power stroll past Storey Gym. From left to right; Brenda Gompert,
Nicole Venturino, Sarah Lucero, Charlene Holtzclaw, Julie Boltinghouse, Linda Franklin and Cindy Hardesty. Cindy Kivisto, also a
member, is not pictured.
workers. She said if we increase
our daily physical activity, we
can improve our overall health.
“This carries over to other
areas of our life,” she added,
A
special education
conference was held
Aug. 24 at the Holiday
Inn. Organized by Director
of Special Services Ramona
Dunbar, approximately 250
special educators, principals
and other employees were on
hand to participate.
Dunbar explained there are
continuing procedural/legal
issues in special education so
it is imperative that all special
education staff who implement
these sometimes confusing
requirements are updated with
continuous and pragmatic staff
development opportunities.
A special education conference held Aug. 24 was attended by
approximately 250 individuals including Baggs Elementary
Principal Larry Bowman.
Melinda Baird presented the
training session that contained
subject matter on special
education. She has worked in
the field of special education
“including work and work
relationships.”
To this year’s contestants,
Lynn has issued a big, “Good
luck!”
law since 1985. Conference
goers heard information about
current trends in the field
and received information on
relevant case law.
Implementation of IEPs
and related services was also
covered.
Baird formerly served as
an attorney for the Tennessee
Department of Education. She
has also served as associate
publisher for education and
disability publications for LRP
Publications.
With her background in
the field, she brought a unique
perspective to the subject.
Dunbar explained Baird
has extensive experience and
“is able to convey to staff a
serious topic in a humorous and
understandable delivery style.”
Informer
October/November 2007 t News Briefs
Wellness
To register for classes or to ask about mini
grants to promote health at schools and work
sites, contact Lynn Collins, 771-2373, ext.
10249 or e-mail [email protected].
Activity Programs
v Monday & Wednesday, 4:15–5 p.m., Storey
Gym Band Room—Stretch, Strengthen &
Tone
v Tuesday & Thursday, 2:15–3 p.m., Storey
Gym Band Room—Stretch, Strengthen &
Tone
Risk Management
The following classes will continue
throughout the year and unless they are
marked otherwise, they are on the second
Tuesday of each month.
Contact Shauna Smith, 771-2169, ext. 11211
or e-mail [email protected]
to register.
WeTip Anonymous Hotline (800) 782-7463
v Monday & Wednesday, 4–4:45 p.m., Carey
Junior High Cafeteria—Pilates with Lucy
McVeigh
Wellness Programs
vOct. 24, 12:15–1 p.m., Storey Gym Board Room—
Secrets to Living Well & Aging Gracefully
vOct. 30, 4:15–5 p.m., Location TBA—Secrets to
Living Well & Aging Gracefully
vNov. 8 & 15, 4:15–5 p.m., Location TBA—Step
Parenting: Secrets to Living Well & Blending Your
Family
vNov. 19–Jan. 4, Holiday Health Challenge
Blood Borne Pathogens
v8–9 a.m., Second Tuesday of each month,
Storey Gym Board Room
Sexual Harassment
v9:15–10:15 a.m., Second Tuesday of each
month, Storey Gym Board Room
Hazard Communication
v10:20 a.m.–11:45 a.m., Second Tuesday of each
month, Storey Gym Board Room
*Jan. 8 classes are in the Admin. Training Center.
(**October BBP, SH & Hazard Communication
classes are on the third Tuesday)
Emergency/Crisis
v Oct. 16, 3:45–5 p.m., Storey Gym, Band Room
v Nov. 13, 3:45–5 p.m., Storey Gym, Band Room
v Dec. 11, 3:45–5 p.m., Storey Gym, Band Room
v Oct. 23, NetTrekker/Atomic Learning
v Oct. 24, School Fusion, 1–3 p.m. & 4–6 p.m.
v Oct. 25, Using Word Tables
echnology
v Oct. 29, Outlook Calendar & Tasks
v Oct. 30, ShoreTel Personal Call Manager
Classes are in the Admin. Bldg., Rm. 314.
v Oct. 30, Office 2007, 9–11 a.m.
To register contact Linda Thyarks,
v Nov. 5, Power Point, Level 1
771-2151, ext. 10611. Classes are 4–6 p.m.
v Nov. 6, SMART Board Overview
unless specified otherwise.
v Nov. 8, Office 2007
vNov.
10, Excel 2007, Level 1, 8–10 a.m.
Attend eight two-hour computer classes for
v Nov. 12, SMART Board Overview, 1–3 p.m.
1 UW credit hour. Attend seven two-hour
v Nov. 13, Office 2007, 9–11 a.m.
computer classes for 1 PTSB credit hour.
v Nov. 13, Kurzwell 3000
Nov. 14, School Fusion, 9–11 a.m. & 4–6 p.m.
Because of software version updates, anyone v v Nov. 15, Publisher
who has previously received UW credit for
v Nov. 17, Outlook E-mail & Contacts, 8–10 a.m.
classes can retake classes for new credit.
v Nov. 26, Power Point, Level 2
v Nov. 27, Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet
v Oct. 1, Outlook E-mail & Contacts
v Nov. 28, School Fusion, 1–3 p.m.
v Oct. 2, How to Master
v Nov. 28, School Fusion for Teachers
v Oct. 4, Office 2007
Nov. 29, Using Word Tables
v Oct. 10, School Fusion, 9–11 a.m. & 4–6 p.m. v v Dec. 3, Word, Level 2
v Oct. 11, Word, Level 1
v Dec. 4, NetTrekker/Atomic Learning, 8–10 p.m.
v Oct. 13, SMART Ideas, 8–10 a.m.
v Dec. 6, Excel 2007, Level 2
v Oct. 15, Office 2007, 9–11 a.m.
v Dec. 8, Outlook Calendar & Tasks, 8–10 a.m.
v Oct. 15, Excel 2007, Level 2
v Dec. 10, Publisher
v Oct. 16, Kurzwell 3000
v Dec. 11, Office 2007, 9–11 a.m.
v Oct. 16, School Fusion, 7–8 a.m.
Dec. 11, SOLO Draft: Builder
v Oct. 17, School Fusion, 7-8 a.m. & 4–6 p.m. v v Dec. 12, School Fusion, 9–11 a.m.
v Oct. 18, SMART Ideas
v Dec. 12, School Fusion for Teachers
v Oct. 20, Word, Level 1, 8–10 a.m.
v Oct. 22, Word, Level 2
T
vStandards/
Curriculum
Council
Innovative Grants
The Standards/Curriculum
Advisory Council awards innovative
grants for deserving elementary and
secondary projects. Applications are
available in school offices or from a
council member.
Application forms are due in
the Assistant Superintendent of
Instruction’s office, Rm. 128 of the
administration building, by Friday,
Nov. 2, at 4 p.m.
vThe Prudential
Spirit of
Community Award
If you know of junior high
and high school students who
have demonstrated outstanding
community service over the last
year, encourage them to apply for
the Prudential Spirit of Community
Award.
Top applicants may receive
medals, certificates and cash awards.
Applications must be completed by
Oct. 31. For more information visit
www.prudential.com/spirit or call
(973) 802-4568.
vTeacher
Achievement
Awards
Each year, the Arch Coal
Teacher Achievement Awards
honors outstanding teachers with
$2,500.
Nomination deadline is
Jan. 11, 2008. Information can be
found at www.archteacherawards.
Ted Adams
Superintendent of Schools
Team Discovery Project Based
Curriculum for the SeventhGrade
Connie Lackey, Instruction
Irene Story, Assistant Director of Instruction–
Grants/Staff Development
Carey, Johnson & McCormick Junior Highs
Science Center
Mike Klopfenstein
Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
John Lyttle
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
District
Champs
Habitat for Humanity Project
Curtis Colbert, Central High, Industrial
Technology
Dan Stephan, Superintendent (retired)
Jeff Stone, Career & Technical Programs
Coordinator
Diamond Key Coach Recognition
(Speech & Debate)
Matthew Prevedel, East High
Michael Starks, East High
Ashley Schultz, East High
Laramie County School District 1 Teacher
of the Year
Janet Gronski, Anderson Elementary
David Bartlett
Assistant Superintendent of Support Operations
Terry Bridwell
Director of Instruction
Ramona Dunbar
Director of Special Services
Gordon Knopp
Director of Technology
Irene Story
Assistant Director of Instruction–
Grants/Staff Development
Marc LaHiff
Assistant Director of Instruction–
School Improvement/Assessment
Sharon Knudson
Director of New Teacher Induction/Mentoring
Frank Lamirand
Gifted/Talented Program
Mary Quast
Community Relations Director
Board of Trustees
Jan Stalcup—Chairman
Jim Landen—Vice Chairman
Brian Farmer—Treasurer
Bob Farwell—Assistant Treasurer
Anne Beckle—Clerk
Al Atkins—Assistant Clerk
Dale Vosler—Trustee
Paul Hickey—District Council
Laramie County School District 1
2810 House Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Tel: 307.771.2100
Community Relations Office
Tel: 307.771.2192
Fax: 307.771.2252
[email protected]
©2007 LCSD1 Community Relations