Turlock Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Sonny Da Marto is striving for increased student development, continued community communication, and the provision of the resources students and staff need to succeed in the 2014-15 academic year.

Each year the superintendent is mandated to submit a self evaluation, state of the district, and  goals and action plans for the new school year. This year’s document, which adds up to 12 pages, describes in detail how the superintendent plans to further student success throughout the district.

“The goals and strategies we are working on do not stand alone,” said Da Marto. “Together, they create a strong learning environment that will lead to students achieving their full potential.”

Altogether, Da Marto said he hopes that his goals and action plans will directly benefit the individual learning of every student throughout the district.  

One of the goals addresses the need to allot sufficient time for district staff to focus on analyzing student learning and adapting instruction to meet each student’s individual needs. One way the district has already accomplished this is by implementing earlier dismissal times on Wednesdays to give staff extra time to communicate with each other.

“Our staff must have time to learn and collaborate with each other so they can identify the weaknesses and strengths of each student,” said Da Marto.

In addition, the superintendent introduced an action plan that will include the provision of proper and timely communication between and among district administration, the Board of Trustees, certificated and classified staff, parents, and the community.

“We must make sure that everyone associated with the student and the student themselves receive clear communication,” said Da Marto. 

The superintendent also emphasized the need to provide all the right tools and resources to students and staff to ensure their success with the state’s  new Common Core standards.

Also included in his report is the possible development of a new elementary school in the Morgan Ranch area, the furthered preparation of students in both science and technology fields, and the continuing of safety practices throughout the district.