Dear Colleagues:

As the last week of the 2008-2009 school year draws to a close, it is with deepest gratitude I write this message. I am extraordinarily proud of the outcomes for our students resulting from the relentless, cohesive effort of our employees. The day-to-day leadership at our campuses and intense, focused instruction in our classrooms in collaboration with the strong leadership and support from District staff across all departments has yielded greatly improved results for our students. Our teachers especially, are to be commended for the gains and progress experienced by our FWISD students this year. 

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the heroic efforts of the teams of teachers and administrators, central office teams and community partners that took on the work in some of our most academically challenged schools. We are projecting that Polytechnic High School’s doors will remain open due to the exceptional gains in all subjects by all student groups. Meadowbrook Middle School, in its fifth year of sanctions under the AYP umbrella, is projected to be an Academically Acceptable campus. Dunbar High School and Sunrise McMillian Elementary are each projected to come off the Academically Unacceptable (AU) list. Around the District, students in many, many schools showed phenomenal gains. Please know how much I appreciate everyone’s tireless work.

Beyond TAKS, I believe our kids have grown personally, socially and emotionally by the daily examples of character, integrity and work ethic that they witness in our schools. There is a quote I love that comes to mind, “Children may not always do what you say, but make no mistake, they will do what you do.” 

Our students are very lucky to have the best staff available to them – and I count myself lucky to work among you.
 
With every good wish,
 
Melody Johnson, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD