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Dr.
Thomas R. Chapman, Jr.
Welcome to the 2009-10 school year! I always look forward to
visiting our schools, especially the first few days. There is
tremendous energy -- from families, from staff and, most of all,
from students as we open our doors and greet students fresh from
their summer breaks. My hope is that we can keep that level of
energy and enthusiasm throughout the year.
I'm also excited to see new connections forming between our teachers
and students because that's what nurtures learning. And we can
measure the results. In case you haven’t heard, our students made
93% of our AYP targets! That shows just how hard our staff and
students are working. But we won't be satisfied until every student
is prepared for success. We'll be working even harder this year to
boost achievement and to address other priorities that will affect
our schools and students this year and for many years to come.
We continue to move forward with the district’s plan to upgrade and
renovate our aging schools. Our fourth magnet school will open for
6th graders this year. The former JCC will now be the
home of our Gateway School for the Performing Arts. The Gateway
School for International Business and Languages will open at the
Glenside Magnet School.
I am very excited about the opening of the Reading Opportunity
Center for Children (ROCC) at the former market house at 8th
and Penn Streets. This new facility will be a wonderful resources
for families new to the district, as well as our current families.
The Citadel School for 9th and 10th graders is
scheduled at this time to open some time this year. As we get
closer to the completion of the project, I will share additional
information with you.
As we move forward with our plans for this school year, we ask for
your thoughts and ideas. We need the power of all of our hearts and
minds to do what must be done to Elevate our students.
I look forward to working with you this school year and for years to
come.
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