Mustang Mentality

Dear Pembroke Community Consolidated School District 259 Families, Students, and Staff,

As we bid farewell to the 2023-2024 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements and initiatives we have undertaken together. This year has been a testament to our collective dedication to fostering academic excellence and a supportive learning environment for all our students.

One of our most significant advancements has been the shift to a standards-based instructional approach. This change has allowed us to focus more closely on ensuring that every student meets key learning objectives and achieves their full potential. We are already seeing the positive impact of this shift in our students' academic growth.

In addition to our academic initiatives, I am proud to highlight our expanding athletic program. This year, we were able to sponsor ten athletic teams, including the exciting new addition of a soccer team. Our collaborative efforts with St. Anne for softball and baseball have provided even more opportunities for our students to engage in team sports, build camaraderie, and develop important life skills.

Recently, the LitCamp Summer School program came to a close. We hosted approximately 40 students, and provided enrichment activities in reading, math, STEM and social emotional learning by way of the Mindful Minute. This program was designed to reinforce the skills learned during the school year and ignite a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

To support continuous learning over the summer, all Lorenzo R. Smith School students received a packet of instructional scholastic materials. These resources aim to reinforce the knowledge gained throughout the year and encourage independent exploration and a love for learning.

As we prepare for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, I am thrilled about the progress we've made in improving student academic growth, as evidenced by our NWEA-MAP testing results. We've also seen positive trends in student attendance and parent engagement, thanks to initiatives like Parent University and S.A.F.E Center sessions in partnership with local social agencies and resource providers.

We are also welcoming a new Principal to the Team, Dr. Derek Jordan. Dr. Jordan comes with a solid foundation and strong passion for educating students. Welcome to the team Dr. J.!

The momentum we've built this year will carry us forward as we continue to strive for excellence in all areas. I wish all our families, students, and staff exciting and safe summer break. I look forward to welcoming you back in the fall, ready to embark on another year of growth and achievement.

Warm regards,

Dr. Nicole Terrell-Smith