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Monday, August 30, 2004
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to the 2004-05 school year. We are delighted that you’ve chosen the Detroit Public Schools.
I am excited about this year. We are turning the corner in the area of student achievement and performance. Our test scores on the MEAP and the Terra Nova have soared in the course of the last two years. We have reduced our dropout rates and we are on the verge of becoming one of the nation’s leading urban school systems. We are also in the process of putting finishing touches on our capital improvement program.
Like many public school districts around the country, the 2003-04 school year was particularly difficult for the Detroit Public Schools. We were forced to eliminate more than 2,000 jobs and we’re struggling to do more with less.
Beginning this academic year, the District will institute a weekly common preparation period for all buildings with kindergarten through fifth and eighth grades. This common period will allow teachers to work together to continue to improve student achievement. Because of this new program, students in all K-8 buildings will be released from school an hour early every Friday afternoon. Middle school buildings with sixth through eighth grades will not be affected.
In addition, the District will offer pre-kindergarten programs four days a week. Pre-kindergarten classes are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 7, 2004.
My colleagues and I are committed to giving your children a first class education this year. Our teachers and staff believe that every child can learn. They are committed to nurturing and teaching all of our children and grooming them to be tomorrow’s leaders. Parents, I urge your continued involvement in our schools as we work together to improve student achievement and performance.
I am looking forward to a great school year.
Kenneth Stephen Burnley, Ph. D.
Chief Executive Officer
Detroit Public Schools
