Click here to watch Principal Wilson’s Opening Remarks made at Back To School Night.
Welcome Home
In welcoming all our Wonderland families back for the 2009/2010 school year, I am reminded of a line from Shakespeare’s King Henry V:“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers (and sisters).” We have much to be excited about and much to celebrate as we return to our Wonderland home away from home this year.
First, I would like to announce that we have raised our test scores again; no small feat for a school that is already near the 1000 API limit. We improved our performance by 3.7% in English Language Arts and 2.1% in math, bringing us to 92% and 95% proficient or advanced in those areas. In science, we are 89% proficient or advanced. Although API scores don’t come out for a couple of weeks, if my calculations are correct, we can expect our score to be above 980! This could not have been achieved without the efforts of teachers, students, and families working together for educational excellence. Make sure you let your teachers know how thankful you are for them, and your children know how proud they make you.
While our test scores are impressive, they are only one chapter in a much larger book that tells the whole story of our students and their successes. As your children move through the grades, they will experience a well-rounded curriculum that will expose them to art, music, dance, and theater. Literature, history, math and science will also be integral parts of their experience and taught in ways that excite and bring out the joy that learning can be. They will learn to use advanced technologies as a creative means to an end and not an end in itself. They will learn to be critical thinkers and engaged and active participants in their own education. As a staff we will work tirelessly to ensure that your children will be prepared for full participation in a 21st century global community.
This year will undoubtedly bring more discouraging economic and educational news from Sacramento and even the District. However, I want to assure you that it is my personal mission to ensure that our students continue to receive the quality education they deserve. In this effort, I will be calling on our families to join forces with me and the incredible Wonderland teachers and staff by becoming active members of our community by volunteering in one of the many opportunities that abound at our school. The role of the family in education is the cornerstone of any school’s success, and I welcome you to find a place to share your energy and talents.
This is looking to be a very promising year, and I thank you in advance for all you will do to make this the great educational community that it is. Whether your child is a new kindergartner with butterflies in their tummy or a seasoned fifth grader ready to take on the world, we are grateful for the role we will play in their continued development and deeply understand the trust you have placed in us. I look forward to seeing you all and say once again… We few, we happy few, we band of students, teachers, staff and families that make up our Wonderland community: Welcome back!
Don Wilson
Proud Principal of Wonderland Ave. Elementary
