Connecting Our Community
Welcome to Nikki's Notebook, offering a closer look at Council Rock School District's initiatives, insights, and the path ahead.
Volume #1 - May 2024.
Why a newsletter?
What I loved most when I campaigned for the school board, was knocking on doors and talking with parents, grandparents, recent grads, fellow educators, and countless neighbors who share in a vision for educational excellence in Council Rock. Now, after a few months in office, it’s time to begin a new chapter in connecting with our community. Nikki’s Notebook is a way for me to keep these important conversations alive by sharing updates and insights, helping you stay informed as we move forward together to enhance the educational landscape in our district.
Your input and feedback are essential as we strive to provide the best possible education for our children. Together, we can build a community that reflects our values and aspirations.
Finding Common Ground: A Personal Reflection
At a recent meeting discussing special education in our district, parents voiced their desire to connect, communicate, and collaborate. They shared their experiences, highlighting the need for a supportive community where they can share and learn from one another.
Reflecting on this, I can't help but think back to my own experience as an English Language Learner (ELL) student. Growing up, my parents faced challenges navigating the education system without the support and resources they needed. I can only imagine how valuable it would have been to have a community like this—a place to share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate with educators to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
It's clear that our district truly does have an excellent special education program. Still, there's always room for improvement, and I'm inspired by the passion and dedication of parents who are eager to work together with the district to make positive changes.
As we move forward, let's continue to foster a community where every voice is heard, and every child is supported on their educational journey.
Education Committee Update
As the Education Committee Chair, I am incredibly excited about the work we have been doing and the opportunities that lie before us. The committee has been actively engaged in several key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational excellence in Council Rock. One significant focus has been the exploration of Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) in the district. This initiative has garnered considerable interest and discussion among board members, administration, and the community.
Throughout this period, the administration has been conducting a thorough analysis of the potential benefits and costs associated with FDK. This analysis includes visits to neighboring school districts with FDK programs, conversations with elementary school principals regarding building needs, and a staff survey to gauge support and readiness.
However, as a Board, we must carefully consider the potential benefits and costs of full-day kindergarten so we can make a thoughtful, educated, well-informed, and fiscally responsible decision about implementing full-day kindergarten in Council Rock.
To ensure robust community engagement, the administration is planning to launch a community survey and form a committee of stakeholders to collaborate on this important decision. The impact of FDK on various aspects of the district, such as transportation, staffing, facilities, curriculum, assessment, and technology, is being carefully examined.
Did you know? Of 13 Bucks County school districts, 10 already have full-day kindergarten, and one more will start in the 2025/26 school year. At Council Rock, setting the pace for educational excellence is paramount, and implementing full-day kindergarten is essential to ensure all children begin first grade with equal opportunities for success.
Additionally, the Education Committee has been focused on other important matters, including the expansion of the Sloan School to serve middle school students and revisions to the 2024-25 school calendar. These efforts are all part of a broader commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for all students in Council Rock.
As we move forward, the Education Committee will continue to update the board and community on progress and developments regarding FDK and other educational initiatives. The next Education Committee meeting is scheduled for May 23, where further updates and discussions are expected to take place.
May Meetings
Please come to watch and/or make your voice heard during Public Comment at our upcoming meetings.
Thursday, May 2: Facilities Committee
Monday, May 6: Policy CommitteeCANCELEDThursday, May 9: Finance Committee
Monday, May 13: Special Finance Committee
Thursday, May 16: Board of School Directors
Thursday, May 23: Education Committee
All meetings are held at 7 PM in the Chancellor Street Building (30 Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA).
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not official statements made on behalf of the entire Council Rock school board or Council Rock administration. It is for informational purposes and responses or inquiries cannot be made in an official school district manner.