Eyes on the new school year

by Christine Fitzgerald,
Superintendent, San Juan School District
As I headed from one school to another during the first week of school, I carried a small bag with me. That’s where I kept my cellphone.
This is the first year of our bell-to-bell, phones-away policy. If we are asking students to put away their phones during school, I want to live it and model that expectation.
The new phone policy is already changing what we see in our schools. At Monticello High, Principal Olson made his point about ‘Away for the Day’ by demonstrating that even while doing a headstand on a chair, his phone stayed in his pocket. Students remembered the headstand, and they remembered the message to put away their phones
At lunch, the seminary lawn was full of students sitting together and interacting. On Sunday at the Aneth Chapter meeting, parents clapped when the policy came up. I love seeing our students, chatting, laughing, looking into each others eyes, instead of into the glow of a screen.
Our students helped shape how the policy is enforced. Juniors and seniors on our Student Advisory Council designed a gradual process that begins with a reminder and increases only after repeated violations. When students have a voice, we get better outcomes. That is what we mean by “Educate and Empower,” one of the two pillars in our strategic plan.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS START ON DAY ONE
Everything we do this year will build on the relationships formed during these first days. When I see students, I tell them their number one job is to show up. Making it to the building is half the battle. and WOW! Our students showed up! So did the people who make each school day possible.
ON THE MOVE
We welcomed new administrators in several buildings. Mark Thornton is the new principal at Monticello Elementary. He grew up in San Juan County and led schools in other districts before joining our team.
At Blanding Elementary, Anita Jacobson stepped up from assistant principal to principal. Dawn Torres, another San Juan local who returned home, serves as assistant principal. At Whitehorse High, Guy Corrado moved into the principal role, and Dr. Patricia Edsitty joined him as assistant principal. Monique McDermott returned to Bluff Elementary.
In Navajo Mountain, we launched a pilot program with Ashley Lacy serving as principal while continuing to teach at San Juan High. Lead teacher Todd Smallcanyon is supporting her in that work. So far, so good.
BUILDING THE FUTURE
The new Blanding Elementary School welcomed students this year following its ribbon-cutting ceremony. The building was my first school visit of the year, and the feeling inside was difficult to describe. Students and teachers now have a comfortable, dependable learning environment. The bulletin boards were up, and the teachers brought the same energy and commitment they brought to the former building.
New construction always comes with a few bumps. Our maintenance team responded quickly to each one.
Construction continues across the district, and I thank parents, students and staff for their patience. Secure vestibules are complete at Montezuma Creek Elementary and San Juan High. Albert R. Lyman Middle School and Monticello High are next. Whitehorse High received landscaping upgrades.
We are also planning teen centers in our four high schools, with the first project getting underway this year. Many of these projects use state funding to help us stretch district dollars.
Our access-control card system will be in place at every school by the end of the school year. Managing traditional keys across numerous schools, activities and community events is difficult. The new system will allow us to manage access more effectively and secure buildings quickly when needed. Our schools are community hubs, and this system will provide appropriate access while helping us protect students and staff.
GETTING REAL ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial intelligence presents a different type of challenge. AI is here whether we name the tool or not. The board approved a policy titled “Instructional Resources: Artificial Intelligence,” and that title explains how we see the technology.
Dr. Derek Begay is helping introduce a green, yellow and red system in Canvas. It will tell students and parents when AI may be used on an assignment, when its use is limited and when it is not allowed.
We are also piloting Pedagogy AI through 21st Century Ed. A student interested in becoming an EMT could ask how a biology lesson about cells applies to emergency medicine. Connecting lessons to students’ goals can make learning more relevant and engaging. Critical thinking remains at the center.
THE STRATEGIC PLAN
The board approved our five-year strategic plan this spring after more than a year and a half of listening. We collected 589 survey responses and held 10 focus groups.
Two pillars came out of that work. Unite and Engage asks how we can communicate with parents more clearly and involve families in what happens at school. Educate and Empower asks how we prepare students to be San Juan ready for college, careers and their communities, based on how they define readiness.
Last week, I visited a class where students are learning about drones and will have the opportunity to earn a certification by the end of the course. Our students need learning that connects to their interests, goals and futures. That is the direction outlined in our strategic plan.
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER 
None of this happens without the team behind the first day. Thank you to law enforcement for keeping our roads safe and to city councils for helping install new crosswalks. Thank you to our maintenance staff, custodians, bus drivers and kitchen crews. Thank you to parents for following the guidelines and supporting our schools.
This year’s theme is “Listen to Learn. Listen to Lead.” I heard a lot during the first week.
Just as we ask students to put away their cellphones so they can be present and engaged, I’m excited  for all of us at San Juan School District to put aside distractions and make room to listen. Keep talking to us. We are listening.