February 1, 2016










Monthly Newsletter










Issue 4 

Strategic Planning Update  
Thank you to everyone who has assisted the Strategic Planning Team by attending one of our many meetings, completed one of our surveys, or provided feedback regarding our Strategic Planning process and outcomes these past several months.  Your involvement in this process is essential.
 
The Strategic Planning Team is currently reviewing and compiling feedback and survey results from the public regarding the District's  Mission Statement, Vision of Educational Success, and Organizational Values.   Our next step will be to incorporate this feedback and finalize the District's Mission Statement, Vision of Educational Success, and Organizational Values. Results will be available for your review on the District's website in late February.    

The public is invited to a public forum on Monday, February 22, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Roosevelt Media Center to review and discuss the proposed strategic plan. 

Strategic Planning progress is available at the District website:  vmps.org  (The link is located on the top left hand side of the page).  Hard copies of all planning documents is also available for viewing in the three school offices and at the Virginia Public Library.  For more information or questions, please contact me at 218-741-3901 or dstender@vmps.org .
  
Yours In Education,
Deron Stender, Superintendent
Annual Financial Audit

Virginia Public Schools received the highest rating on the 2014-15 annual financial audit.
As required by state law, the School Board received a comprehensive annual financial
rep ort from the audit firm of Walker, Giroux & Hahne, LLC. 

You can read the report here .


Outstanding Achievement Awards and Dessert Social

Please join us and celebrate the outstanding academic and athletic achievement of our high school (7-12) students for the first semester of the 2015-16 school year.   This includes cumulative A Honor Roll and Perfect Attendance for the first semester, as well as outstanding athletic accomplishments from fall sports. 

When:  Monday, February 8, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Goodman Auditorium with a dessert social following in the cafeteria
February is "I Love to Read" Month
Each year during "I Love to Read" month, Virginia teachers, staff, and students celebrate the joy of reading and writing with activities throughout the month.  

Highlights include:
  • Awards for top reader in each class, grade level, and school for the month
  • Dress as your favorite book character
  • Decorate classroom doors in your favorite book cover
  • Students can decorate their lockers in their favorite book cover
  • Students create "I Love to Read" posters
  • Pajama party with reading as the focus
    • Students bring in treats, blankets, pillows; a reading slumber party
    • Campouts in the hallways
    • Teachers bring in full-size tents for kids to camp out and read in throughout the day
For more information about how parents can support their children's reading, please read the Minnesota Department of Education, "Families as Partners in Education" document here.
Roosevelt PTSA Inspires School Spirit
The Roosevelt PTSA inspired school spirit by giving every Roosevelt Elementary student, teacher, and staff member a Blue Devil t-shirt.  Thank you Roosevelt PTSA for all the work you do to support our students, staff, and school!
Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter, and Our VMPS Website
Did you know that Virginia Public Schools has a Facebook page, a Twitter feed, and a website where you can get all the latest news about what's happening at our schools?  Follow us on  Facebook,  Twitter, and the  VMPS Website.
Just a reminder, you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Virginia Public Schools. Don't forget to add vmpsnewsletter@vmps.org to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox. Thank you for supporting Virginia Public Schools.


Virginia Public Schools
The Area's Leading School of Choice

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Virginia, MN 55792
218-749-KIDS