13780 Hope Street
Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: 262.781.3030
Fax: 262.790.4095
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Superintendent's Blog

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  Mark Hansen, Superintendent
  262-781-3030 ext. 1123
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   Getting to Know Mark Hansen  

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9,000 Survey Responses Inform Planning for the Future

31 May 2013

During the month of March over 9,000 students, staff, parents, and alumni provided feedback about our schools, staff, leadership, and the District through the annual survey process. Data collected is used to:

  1. Inform the strategic planning process, specifically to identify priorities and gaps
  2. Measure progress towards school climate and culture goals. In 2012-13, each school has a climate goal with specific questions used to monitor and report progress.
  3. Celebrate success – historically our stakeholders take great pride in our district and that is reflected throughout the survey results. Collecting feedback annually validates the direction of the district, as well as guides improvement efforts.

In general, our students, staff, parents and alumni are satisfied with the Elmbrook Schools! Staff find great meaning in their work, parents find staff to be responsive to their child's needs and feel welcome and informed, and students appreciate the positive learning environment that greets them each day.

The greatest opportunity for improvement remains our district mission: educating and inspiring every student to think, to learn and succeed. Meeting the needs of all learners, empowering students to take ownership of their learning, inspiring and supporting innovation, and expanding our students' awareness of the cultural diversity around them were common themes across our stakeholder groups.

Thank you to all who responded to this year's survey. For complete student and parent results, and a summary of staff and alumni feedback, please visit http://www.elmbrookschools.org/surveyresults. 

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What a Week!

10 May 2013

The week opened with Brookfield East's Most Influential Educator ceremony sponsored by the Elmbrook Education Foundation.  The Class of 2013's top fifteen students are asked to select their most influential educator and present them to the audience through a speech and a gift.  What a way to begin Teacher Appreciation Week.  Thank you to all of the students, parents and teachers that shared their letters and words of gratitude to educators that made a difference in their lives or the life of their child.  

The week continued with school visits, interviews of potential principal candidates at Brookfield East, a meeting with the Waukesha County Business Alliance and hiring of new teachers for next year.  The energy at this time of year is amazing as we ramp up the pace for a great finish to one school year and begin planning for the next.
 
As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week, I just want to take one more opportunity to thank all of the adults that serve as a successful "teacher" to our kids.  Teaching kids is one of the most gratifying experiences we can have as human beings.  Thank you for contributing to the quality of our community!

Regards,
Mark
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Celebrating our Partnership

03 May 2013

Last week I attended the Elmbrook Education Foundation's Most Influential Educator Awards night and was struck by the words of the Brookfield Central students (Brookfield East's event is this Monday) which confirmed many of the things written in this blog before - teachers matter.  What really resonated with me was the partnership between the school, the parents and the teachers that exists in our community.  We recognize that you entrust us with your children and we appreciate that trust and hope we are delivering on our mission.  Great results in a school district come from a strong partnership between the parents, students, staff and the greater community.  As we start Teacher Appreciation Week, we are so proud of the work in the Elmbrook School District and I hope you would join me in thanking a teacher that has successfully partnered with you and your family.  Consider a note, email or some other way to share your appreciation!

Together, we will continue to make strides in accomplishing our goal of going from great to greater.  Thank you for your partnership and we look forward to the work ahead!

Mark

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Appreciating Teachers

19 April 2013

Teacher Appreciation Week begins on May 6th and provides a wonderful opportunity for us think about the impact teachers have had on us and our lives. Some have heard me tell the story of Mr. Neary, my high school social studies teacher. He had a profound impact on who I was as a learner AND as a person. I still get the chance to see him with regularity and try to find every chance to thank him for his patience and persistence with me. I became a better person because of his efforts.

So, as we approach May 6th take some time to think about who impacted you as a learner while also thinking about a great teacher or two that your children have experienced while in Elmbrook.　 Consider acting on one of the following:

  • Write a note: Handwritten notes mean so much to recipients. Write your thoughts out in a quick note and send it off to the teacher(s).
  • Email: Quick and convenient, send an email expressing your appreciation and thanks.
  • Elmbrook Education Foundation Donation: go to the Foundation’s website and make a donation in the name of a great teacher.
  • Call: Pick up the phone and call the teacher that you had or your child(ren) had and say thanks.

As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week, consider your strategy for thanking a great teacher.　 It will mean so much to them and is intrinsically very rewarding!

Thanks,
Mark

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Engagement Strengthens our School District

22 March 2013

A variety of engagement opportunities this month highlight the commitment and passion represented in our school community. A record turnout of 60 participants attended the March Superintendent chats. A meeting with leaders in our community centered on their pride in the school district. Our strategic plan and satisfaction survey had almost 1,500 parent responses (500 more than last year), and nearly all of our KG-12th grade students and 70% of our staff took the time to provide input on the work that will shape our collective future!

When asked about the biggest surprise in my first year as Superintendent, I am quick to respond with examples of the high level of community engagement in support of our students. The communities we serve embody and embrace the old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Thank you for your active interest in making a positive impact in the lives of our students. We are lucky to have such strong partnerships as we move from great to greater!

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