LM Jan 2025

themselves, and that drives them to achieve more, both academically and personally. Making Staff Feel Like They Belong As we continue to build on this culture, I am reminded daily of the importance of fostering an environment where everyone feels like they belong. This isn’t just about loyalty to an employer — it’s about creating a community where every staff member, regardless of where they live, feels connected to our mission and invested in our success. It’s about being a Rocket, not just working at Rockridge. Our culture is our strength, and it’s what will continue to propel us forward. So, when I say, “I’m a Rocket,” it’s not just a slogan. It’s a reflection of the pride I feel in being part of this district, of the relationships I’ve built, and of the unwavering dedication I see in my colleagues every day. We are all Rockets, working together to create a brighter future for our students and our community. That’s something truly worth celebrating, and why I call myself a Rocket.

members are invested, when they see themselves as integral parts of the school’s success, it creates a ripple effect. Our students pick up on this energy — they see their teachers, administrators and support staff going above and beyond, and it inspires them to do the same. They know they are part of something special, something bigger than

FREE MONTHLY WEBINAR SERIES FOR MEMBERS

Math

Bringing the Math Wars to an End Just like “The Reading Wars” fought between phonics and whole language, there are equivalent Math Wars between approaches that are more focused on procedural understanding and others focused more on conceptual understanding. But, unlike the Reading Wars which have ended, skirmishes in the Math Wars are ongoing. With states considering new initiatives focused on Math, it’s crucial that we bring these wars to an end. How can we, for example, provide high quality PD or suggest “high quality instructional materials” when we lack consensus about what quality instruction in mathematics looks like? Presentation from Dunlap CUSD #323 Join IASA and Dr. Gene Kerns, Chief Academic Officer with Renaissance, on January 23 for a one-hour webinar that thoughtfully explores this challenge and offers critical perspectives on how to bring the Math Wars to an end. In addition to hearing Dr. Kerns’ perspectives, this webinar is an opportunity to learn how Dunlap CUSD #323 uses Focus Skills as identified on Renaissance’s Star Assessments and Freckle to support learning across the district.

January 23 at 10 a.m.

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LM Jan 2025