Dear Parents,
Seven Years and Counting
It is hard to believe that we are completing our seventh year of operation. Aspen View Academy has grown so much in seven years and continues to have a great reputation in the community as a school where kids feel they belong and learn in a safe and caring environment.
This year has been like no other in my 24 years of working in education. AVA, like most of the world, transitioned to remote learning and, in my opinion, did an amazing job. I know I have mentioned this previously, but I am so proud of the entire AVA community for the grace, flexibility, and resilience that everyone has demonstrated. We have completed the 2019-2020 school year and now it is time for everyone to enjoy a well-deserved break.
The million-dollar question is how is school going to look in August. Currently, I do not have an answer to that question. There are many options being discussed and as soon as the state and school district come up with the plan, I will communicate that to the AVA community. I know the goal for everyone is to return to in-person learning. Whatever the final plan is, AVA will be ready!
Thank you for an amazing year and trusting us with your child. I'm not sure if you realize just how many people are involved in the success of your child at AVA. From the office staff who are the first faces many people see as they enter the school, the cleaning crew who keeps AVA in top shape, the PARAs who work closely with all students, the lunch room staff who make sure your kids eat healthy food in a safe environment, the specialists who provide students extra opportunities to practice various skills and concepts, the health room staff who provide that extra care when an accident happens, all of the teachers who give their time and efforts to provide an outstanding education to all children, the governing Board who volunteer their time to make sure the school stays true to our mission and vision and, finally, to the administration who have an unwavering commitment to making AVA the absolute best educational option for your child. Thank you to the committees and PTO that also go above and beyond the call of duty to help establish that sense of community that I think is so important for any school to have. I also want to thank you, the parents, for your time and dedication to the school. I truly appreciate everything you do for the staff and students. I am honored to lead such an amazing school.
Two things really define Aspen View Academy – climate and culture:
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. At AVA, we work hard to make sure we maintain a positive school climate at all times.
School culture refers to the way teachers and other staff members work together and the set of beliefs, values, and assumptions they share. A positive school climate and school culture promote students' ability to learn. You and your child need to know you belong at AVA, and this is a place you enjoy coming to. Seeing kids running into school with smiles on their faces and leaving school with smiles on their faces shows us that we are doing things right. We will challenge your kids to perform their best and to take chances. We will give them the tools and resources to conquer those challenges.
I wish you all a fun, safe, and relaxing summer break!
Mr. Bob Barber
Principal
