A.H.S. Principal's Message

The energy level is high and enthusiasm is infectious as we begin the 2007-2008 school year.  We enter this school year with a focus on building on the advances in SAT, HSPA and AP test results evident from last year’s testing programs.  In large part these increases in student achievement are due to the commitment of staff, the support of parents, and the sincere effort demonstrated by our students.  As Thomas Friedman acknowledges in his book The World is Flat, the development of personal skills to compete in a world arena is essential to the survival of the United States as a premier economic force in the world.  Without an education that pushes students to work at their very best levels, to exhibit motivation to be the best, and to understand the value of personal integrity, flexibility, and teamwork, students will find themselves at a disadvantage in the world where so many other countries are vying to be the best, and to have the best and at a cheaper cost.
Toward this end, I am happy to report that students and staff at AHS are engaged this year in an academic process that continually promotes responsiveness to three essential questions recommended by educational researcher, Dr. Richard DuFour:

1. What is it that we want each student to learn? (Curriculum Maps)
2. How do we know that students have learned that which we want them to learn? (Assessment)
3. How will we collectively respond if students have not learned what we want them to know? (Interventions)

We are focused not only on the academic development of your child, but also our commitment to enhanced communication with both parents and students.  In this complex world in which we live, parents and students must become partners in the educational process to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this competitive and dynamic world.  To meet this commitment, we will be producing a high school newsletter five times a year, provide Naviance training for student and parents, launch the Edline program, provide parents and students access to TOPS guidance program and provide quality programs for parents sponsored by the Parent Academy and PTO.

Having a focus on academics and a commitment to communicate with the parents and students, we are also promoting school spirit and optimism with an emphasis on the following pillars: success, perseverance, courage and excellence.

We enter this school year with an appreciation of student creativity and are very pleased with the recent creation of two athletic murals that enrich the athletic entrance to the school and a sculpture garden that is now illuminated which enhances the extraordinary efforts of all students involved.

Last, committee work is in place to promote the launch in March 2008 of the Athletic Hall of Fame and another Hall of Fame that focuses on academics, character and service.