July 1, 2015

Dear Families,

Today is my first day in the role of Superintendent of the Piedmont schools, and I’m writing to provide a brief overview of the work now underway to prepare for the year ahead.

As you may know, this is a time of significant change for the District, including implementing Common Core math standards, piloting new instructional technologies in the classroom, preparing for the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, developing new courses in Computer Science, and providing continuing professional development opportunities for educators, among other initiatives. The underlying goal for all of these initiatives is the same — to provide an excellent 21st Century Education and enhance learning opportunities for all students.

Over the summer, District staff are working to prepare for next year with a specific focus on:

Developing and refining relevant curriculum and innovative instructional strategies.

Designing flexible, adaptable technology, facilities and other infrastructure to support learning and instruction.

Expanding initiatives to support the social and emotional health and development of students.

Expanding programs to promote digital literacy and digital citizenship.

Continued diligence in maintaining and improving school facilities and grounds, with renewed attention to signage and access.

Continued diligence in fiscal planning and management.

The continual improvement of our educational programs is made possible by the dedication and innovation of our educators and staff, our strong partnerships with school support groups, and the support of families and the Piedmont community.

We welcome your questions and comments at any time, so please don’t hesitate to contact me at rbooker@piedmont.k12.ca.us.

In the terminology of education reformer Dr. Denise Pope, we hope all students will have abundant “PDF” — play time, down time, and family time — in the coming months. Have a great summer! We look forward to seeing you next school year!

Sincerely,

Randall Booker
Superintendent