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Patrick Godwin, Superintendent
916 355-1100 Ext. 107
pgodwin@fcusd.org
As the 2008-09 school year begins,
the Folsom Cordova Unified School District can take
pride in the many accomplishments of the previous
year. A complete list would take several pages, but
a representative sampling would note that we:
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Continued to be one of the top
performing districts in the greater Sacramento
area, and state, based on the California
assessment measures.
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Opened a new elementary school
(Russell Ranch) and a new high school (Vista del
Lago).
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Earned recognition as a National
Blue Ribbon School for Empire Oaks Elementary
School.
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Worked with the UCDavis MIND
Institute to develop a comprehensive program for
students on the autism spectrum, including a
unique classroom and instruction design at
Russell Ranch Elementary.
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Implemented an alternative
schedule at Vista del Lago High School that
allows students to complete more courses in four
years, enhancing the opportunity for students to
complete career paths, college courses, and
high-interest electives.
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Offered Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
at six schools. PLTW is an academically
powerful, hands-on program that attracts
students to engineering and technology careers.
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Implemented a “threshold
vocabulary” program to assure that all students
know the words necessary for success in school.
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Repeated as the #1 middle school
jazz band, high school jazz band, and high
school jazz choir in the nation, as determined
by Downbeat magazine.
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And much more.
Looking ahead to the coming year, the
District will continue to focus on the new “3Rs” for
education: rigor, relevance, and relationships.
The Governing Board has approved an ambitious set of
goals for the 2008-09 school year.
Among the changes to be implemented or considered
for 2008-09 are:
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Expanding our Project Lead the
Way offerings and other career and technical
education courses.
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Exploring and developing on-line
course offerings to allow for greater student
choice.
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Considering adding geometry as a graduation
requirement.
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Considering a comprehensive character education
and citizenship program.
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Updating and providing greater public access to
all Board Policies and Administrative
Regulations.
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And more.
The District continues to be served
by outstanding teachers, administrators, and support
staff. Thanks to the members of the Folsom Cordova
family, the students and communities served by the
District can be proud of our past accomplishments
and optimistic about the future.
The state’s budget crisis and
historic under funding of public education continue
to present challenges and diminish the services and
opportunities for our children. We will continue to
advocate for “adequate” funding for schools.
California has the highest standards in the nation
and the greatest challenges in terms of languages,
socio-economics, and cost of living. Yet we are
funded at well below the nation’s average. Students
in most other states have more teachers, counselors,
support staff, materials, opportunities, options,
and enhancements, such as field trips, to motivate
and prepare them for the future.
I look forward to the work ahead and
invite you to share the wishes and dreams you have
for our young people. Please feel free to contact
me at
pgodwin@fcusd.org, or at 916.355.1111 ext 107.
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