Dear Parents/Guardians:

On April 20, the HUSD Governing Board approved the concept of a “7-12 Grade Level Continuum” for the purpose of optimizing intra-level academic articulation, curricular alignment, and pedagogical consistency.  Below are some important changes and details regarding the 2010-2011 professional development component of the continuum:

• The once-per month in service involving a two-hour early release on Tuesdays for BMHS, BMMS & GHMS has been eliminated
• Professional development will now take place once a week, involving a one-hour early release on Wednesdays beginning August 11, 2010, and ending May 4, 2011
• Students will be dismissed at 1:15 PM, with bus schedules adjusting accordingly
• Required instructional minutes for all academic levels will not be affected
• Professional development will be take place from 1:30 to 3:00 PM on those days.  Principals at each site will communicate the content of the training to parents/guardians when school starts

Educational research indicates that the quality and preparation of teachers is the most important influence on student achievement.  The District Governing Board and Administration are committed to providing its educators with essential professional development time to develop best practices, acquire data analysis skills to measure student progress, and ensure proper alignment of lessons to State Standards.

As parents/guardians you are an essential partner in the education of your children. Thank you for your support in this important endeavor.

Dan Streeter, Principal