Reavis Community:
The start of any new year provides an opportunity to grow. New year resolutions have traditionally been January’s signature style. As a school leader, mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, I participate in the ritual of goal setting professionally and personally.
Setting goals are motivating and provide clarity to our purpose. As I reflect on 2019, priority towards our school goals included Attendance Matters, our professional development PLC teamwork, and freshman on track and graduation rate improvements for all students. These will continue to be our focus throughout the new year. I also am proud to share 2019 included some well deserved recognition for our students and staff. Recently, Reavis earned a spot on the 10th Annual AP District Honor Roll. The AP District Honor Roll recognizes school districts committed to increasing access to AP for underrepresented students while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. AP District Honor Roll recipients are committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds. Reavis is one of 250 school districts in the United States and Canada being recognized, and we are one of eleven Illinois schools.
In addition, we have been recognized nationally as a distinguished school, one of only two schools in Illinois, and those nationally with more than 20% of their teaching faculty recognized as National Board Certified Teachers. National Board Certified Teachers complete a comprehensive standards program out of Illinois State University with a significant reflection of pedagogical practices as part of the foundation. The best learning environments are made up of individuals who want to improve instruction for the benefit of all students.
Since the states adoption of classifications two years ago, we have maintained our commendable status that exemplifies our commitment to rigorous academic programs, interventions, and supports. We have received recognition from World News as a Best in School nominee. Yet, goal setting and program recognition could only be possible if you are shining the light on what is right, and here we believe that is people. The Reavis community excels at building positive relationships with our students. We are a school who cares, who knows our students, and who will do whatever it takes because we believe all students have the ability to learn. Therefore, our goals for 2020 and the accomplishments that will surely follow academically and extracurricularly, will be because we put “WHO” first, then “WHAT”.
Personally, I will continue to strive to be accessible to our students, your children. I will continue to model self-care so that our students and staff prioritize balanced choices and healthy habits. Finally, I look forward to filling up my Ram Fam jar of memories and moments on a weekly basis. Next year at this time I can reflect on how we made 2020 memorable. Together, we can accomplish our goals and be our best self when we have a purpose and plan.
Better Together,
Principal Schultz