Greetings AVA community –
You may recall hearing me say that culture and climate are two of the most important things that define Aspen View Academy.
School culture refers to the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share.
School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on patterns of students', parents' and school personnel's experience of school life and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures. A positive school climate and school culture promote students' ability to learn.
Never have we had to face the circumstances that the entire world is experiencing right now. Our entire way of doing things has changed dramatically. In these uncertain times, there have been two constants; AVA’s school culture and school climate. As everyone adapted to remote learning, we continued to follow best practices and do what is best for our students. We asked for grace from parents and we navigated how to implement social learning and extended grace as we realized that everyone had their own set of circumstances which affected how remote learning would occur. AVA’s entire staff came together and always kept our core beliefs and values the same; we do what is best for our students. Our parent community adapted to a new norm and did what is best for their kids. The result is that through the efforts of AVA staff, parents, and students, we were able to keep learning moving forward and promoted our students’ ability to learn.
I also want to thank all of our parents and students for all you have done. We often talk about staff appreciation and I hope you all can take a moment to send a positive email or note to your child’s teachers expressing your appreciation. However, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to express my appreciation to you as you have all become de facto teachers and answered the call and helped remote learning be as successful as it could be.
I also want to address what is coming. As you listen to the news, read social media, or listen to the DCSD town hall meetings, you may have heard many options being discussed. I want to let you know that nothing official has been decided regarding the 2020-2021 school year, but many scenarios have been discussed. Everyone’s goal is to open in August and have our kids back in the building. I do want to let you know that whatever is decided, AVA will be ready and will knock it out of the park. We will always focus on our culture and climate and do what is best for our students and provide the best education possible in order to keep learning and moving forward.
We are working on end of year procedures and developing plans for dropping off items that need to be returned to the school and picking up items that need to go home. We are waiting for more guidance from the district and state and will provide details once we finalize our plan.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It is a responsibility that we do not take lightly.
Bob Barber
Principal
