Weekly Update from Interim Superintendent Michael Tolley: September 12, 2022

I remember when my own children started kindergarten. I was excited and a little nervous - hoping that teachers and staff would recognize and celebrate their gifts and provide the nurturing environment I knew they needed to thrive. 

Last week, when I was out in classrooms I was reassured that Northshore kindergarten students are in good hands. Across our schools, you welcomed students into classrooms thoughtfully designed to foster community, curiosity, and learning. 

At Maywood Hills Elementary, kindergarten students practiced routines, met new friends, and participated in fun, community-building activities. In one classroom, students practiced sitting “criss-cross applesauce” at the reading circle and worked on classroom transitions. These predictable classroom routines set the foundation for a great school year. Students do best when they know what to expect and what is expected of them. 

I also stopped by Westhill Elementary. Kindergarten students were in pursuit of a runaway gingerbread man. The gingerbread man left notes in the office, music room, and in other locations around the school. This creative and joyful activity helped students learn about their new school and the important adults who are ready to support them. 

Thank you for taking such care in welcoming our youngest learners to Northshore. It was a great week because of your intentional planning and preperation. 

Last week was also the first monthly Leadership Learning meeting with principals, assistant principals, and central office administrators. I introduced upcoming changes to the Superintendent’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP) meeting series and school visits. Historically, the SAP meetings have been mostly an accountability activity. My personal goal is to create a leadership environment supportive of collaborative learning and growth. The SAP meeting series has been redesigned to focus on a leadership problem of practice and includes consultation from colleagues. School visits have also been redesigned with an opportunity for staff to meet directly with me. School visits begin next week and I hope you will join me in these important conversations over the next few weeks and months. 

Thank you again for providing students with such a joyful and strong start to the school year. You are appreciated. 

In partnership, 

Michael Tolley
Interim Superintendent