Seasons Change, and Learning Grows
Laying the foundation for student success with exciting developments in education, special education, facilities, and more.
Volume # 6 - November 2024
Falling Into Place: Key Updates Shaping Our Schools
As the days grow shorter and the fall chill settles in, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the recent updates shaping our schools and facilities. The work happening behind the scenes in education and infrastructure lays a strong foundation for our students, ensuring they have what they need to succeed and thrive here at Council Rock.
Change has always been part of my educational journey. After attending private school through fifth grade, my parents decided it was time for me to switch to the local public school. That transition wasn’t easy—it brought new challenges and adjustments. But it also opened doors, introducing me to lifelong friends and inspiring teachers who sparked a love of learning that has stayed with me.
In many ways, the work we’re doing at Council Rock reflects that same spirit of growth and opportunity. Each improvement we make, each new initiative we bring forward, is about creating an environment where students feel supported and inspired to learn, adapt, and thrive—no matter what changes come their way.
Education Committee Highlights
At the recent Education Committee meeting, we had exciting updates on key initiatives:
Dual Enrollment Opportunities: Our partnership with Gwynedd Mercy University, University of Iowa, and Bucks County Community College allows students to earn college credits taught by our high school teachers. Families interested should reach out to guidance counselors.
Full-Day Kindergarten Progress: Teachers are actively developing new themes and trialing lessons using guided play principles. We're also rolling out a new screening process for incoming kindergarteners in 2025, ensuring thoughtful placement and differentiated learning right from the start.
Elementary Report Card Revisions: After more than a decade, updates are coming to align with new curricula, promote consistency, and support academic transitions. A second phase will focus on streamlining the format and exploring a trimester system.
Special Education Improvements: We’re proud to welcome 18 new teaching assistants this year and to introduce a new supervisor of special education curriculum. A Parent Advisory Council is also launching this month, offering families a vital forum to engage with our special education services.
Wellness Survey: As part of our mission to nurture the whole child, we are asking all Council Rock families and staff members to complete the Wellness Survey no later than Sunday, November 10. We look forward to sharing the survey results at the December meeting.
Looking ahead, we’ll dive into Keystone and PSSA data and discuss later start times for high schools.
Facilities and Finance Updates
In the combined Facilities and Finance meeting, we approved several important changes:
CRH South Track Savings: A successful project led to $99,000 being deducted from the original resurfacing order—always nice to end with savings!
Work at RES: We approved new water pressure valves and temporary dehumidifiers to keep projects on schedule. We remain on track to open RES after the winter break, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved.
Planning also continues for the district's Facilities Master Plan, with Cropper Enrollment Studies presenting findings at the November Finance meeting. The full plan is expected in January 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, November 7: Facilities Committee
Thursday, November 14: Finance Committee
Thursday, November 21: Board of School Directors
Monday, December 2: Education Committee
All meetings are held at 7 PM in the Chancellor Center (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.